Local students march in anti-Trump protest

Hundreds of Shorecrest students marched in protest
Photo by Jean Hilde

Local schools joined the national student protest today against the presidency of Donald Trump.

Students from Shorecrest High School on 25th NE marched down 15th NE carrying signs and chanting "Love Trumps Hate".

Shorewood students walked to Shoreline City Hall for a brief rally. Einstein students arrived later.

Students from 20 Seattle Schools gathered in downtown Seattle and on Capital Hill in peaceful protests.

Shorecrest students marching down 145th
Photo by Maryn Wynne

Students all had the same message - they don't like Trump's rhetoric and policies. They stand with their minority friends and friends of all religions.

They can't vote, but they feel the Trump policies will affect them more than any demographic, so they are "voting with their feet."

The Shoreline School District sent a letter to families:

Dear Shoreline Public School Families and Staff,

In recent days, we have heard from families and staff who have shared concerns regarding the impact of recent national events on our students, staff and school community.

I want to take an opportunity to let you know that our district’s mission continues to be that we ensure our schools are safe and respectful places for every single person who walks through our doors. We are committed to providing a welcoming environment and keeping our focus on supporting student learning and achievement.

Whatever is happening outside our schools, our incredible teachers, staff and administrators will always work to ensure a safe, caring and productive learning environment at our schools. In doing so:

• We will continue to promote kindness, compassion and respect for others.
• We will help students collaborate, problem-solve and resolve their differences in a respectful manner.
• We will not tolerate harassment or intimidation toward anyone.
• We will work to bring our school communities together and maintain a welcoming environment where every student feels welcome, respected and safe at school.

If you do witness or hear about behavior that does not align with these principles, we hope that you will communicate that information to us. You can do this by:

• contacting your child’s school,
• submitting a tip through our SafeSchools Alert system, or
• submitting a Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Form.

We are also aware of the student-organized walkouts and protests that occurred at Shorewood, Shorecrest and Einstein today. Parents and guardians of students who were absent from class will receive a message from their child’s school alerting them to their absence, as they would normally receive when their child is absent. Students who were absent will face the same consequences that they would for an unexcused absence, unless they are excused by a parent or guardian.

While our nation and community face many challenges and differences of opinion, I hope you will join me in the District’s endeavor to support our schools in creating a safe learning environment that celebrates and embraces everyone in our school community. Our children deserve nothing less than the best we have to offer.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Miner

Superintendent

Corrected 11-15-2016: Kellogg students did not march. Einstein students did.