Fights break out at Paso Robles High School campus after peaceful demonstrations
–Fights broke out on the campus of Paso Robles High School Wednesday afternoon after tensions rose between students. A peaceful demonstration and safety event occurred earlier in the day; then, later in the afternoon, a student posted a video capturing the fights. The video above was posted to Youtube by KSBY.
A student who reached out to the Paso Robles Daily News regarding the incident said students came “out with American flags, Trump posters and guns painted on their posters. It, therefore, became a riot and fights started with girls and guys. It got to the point where some kid actually put his hands on a girl just for her standing up for her race.”
Public Information Officer Martha Clayton said, “PRHS administration responded appropriately to a fight that happened on campus at lunch yesterday and the students who were involved have been disciplined accordingly.”
From Principal Eric Martinez:
“We have and will continue to actively investigate all reports and we encourage students and parents to notify administration of any information to school personnel.
In conversations with our students, we are continuously reminding them that kindness and respect for one another is the best pathway forward. Additionally, we are working directly with law enforcement and additional district staff to ensure the stability and safety of our students. Safety will continue to remain our number one priority.”
Paso Robles Unified School District Superintendent Chris Williams sent a letter home to parents and released the following statement:
Our student leaders provided a number of opportunities this morning to honor and recognize the recent tragedy and loss of students in Florida.
Students also attended assemblies and a number of students participated in student-led activities during the 17 minute break.
Students provided multiple viewpoints in a peaceful manner with a high level of maturity, without incident before returning to classes as scheduled.
Unfortunately, we had an unrelated incident during the lunch break. This incident was not in connection to the assembly, student-led activities, or any political stance. The incident was resolved immediately and the students were disciplined within the guidelines of Ed Code.
The unrelated incident should not in any way overshadow the collaboration and prior planning that students, faculty, and administration engaged in. As a result of their work and an incredible student body, they were able to provide a safe platform for students to express their viewpoints as well as an opportunity to become informed on important
Students say they were prevented from walking out
According to a report by the San Luis Obispo Tribune, some students said they were upset and disappointed that school administrators changed their schedule and organized an assembly to prevent them from holding a walkout against gun violence. Students initially planned to walk out early during their third-period classes, but Paso Robles administrators changed the day’s schedule to hold a nutrition break later in the morning, which made it impossible for students to walk out at the same time as teens at other schools, according to the report.
Instead, students from the Progressive Club and other organizations set up booths on the campus quad during the 17-minute break. Students reportedly said that administrators didn’t want students to express political views during their demonstration.