Protests: School principals should stay out of it

Re: “High school students walk out over Trump,” (TNT, 11/15).

I read with interest the article about protests at local schools, including Lincoln High School. What concerns me is the support the principal, Pat Erwin, provided the students regarding the presidential election. Does Tacoma School Board policy allow staff to participate in partisan political activities during the school day? Did the district office agree with his judgment?

Of greater concern was that Erwin provided a student with a bullhorn. As he is keenly aware, students are susceptible to suggestions, explicit or implicit, from adult influences.

If I were to ask his students, “Does Mr. Erwin think that president-elect Trump hates immigrants, despises LGBTQ supporters and oppresses women?” I think those students would respond, “Of course!”

However, the answer from students in a school setting should always be, “I don’t know Mr. Erwin’s personal beliefs, but he always encouraged us to keep an open mind and weigh all points of view in a thoughtful and considerate manner.”

This story was originally published November 18, 2016 at 9:14 AM with the headline "Protests: School principals should stay out of it."