Walk-Outs Won't Be Excused, Washburn High School Administrators Warn

A statement posted on the Washburn High School website said (in full):

Student Demonstration

We understand that a large number of students may participate in a sit-in or walk-out at Washburn High School beginning on Monday, April 8. It has come to our attention that several hundred students, alumni and community members may participate in a demonstration in support of a Washburn staff member.

As a precautionary measure, Washburn will be on a code yellow on Monday. We are working proactively to ensure that the potential demonstration remains safe for students and staff members, and causes as little disruption to the school day as possible. While we respect students’ rights to demonstrate, if a student chooses to participate, the absence will not be excused. If the student chooses to leave school, he or she will not be allowed into school or after-school activities on that day. Students will be welcomed back the following day for a regular day of instruction.

Parents of Washburn students were informed of the situation through a School Messenger phone call this weekend. If for any reason a student may arrive late to school on Monday, parents should contact Washburn’s main office at 668-3400 to make arrangements the student to enter the building.

Additional Information on Washburn Athletic Director

Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is currently investigating a private personnel matter concerning Washburn Athletic Director Dan Pratt. Mr. Pratt’s employment at Washburn continues.

It is important for students and parents to know that decisions related to Mr. Pratt’s employment with MPS have been and continue to be made by the school district, not by Washburn Principal Markham-Cousins or other school staff members. The planned demonstration in support of Mr. Pratt will not have any bearing on the outcome(s) of the private personnel matter. Again, we are unable to share any information related to the situation to members of the public without Mr. Pratt’s consent, as this information is considered private personnel data.

Related articles:

• Students Talk Washburn HS Walkout on Twitter
• Dan Pratt Supporters Begin Online Petition
• Washburn HS under Code Yellow as Students Protest AD Firing

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