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Del City mayor says he does not condone in-school walkouts, cites student safety
Summary
Mayor Eason told the council Feb. 17 he does not condone students leaving class to protest, citing risks to student safety off campus and saying appropriate disciplinary measures may follow; he emphasized support for law enforcement while also acknowledging citizens' right to disagree.
Del City — Mayor Eason used the council’s Feb. 17 meeting to address reports that students from Del City High School walked out to protest during school hours.
Eason said he takes his oath to uphold federal and state law seriously and that while Americans have a right to disagree and speak their minds, involving classrooms in political protests is problematic when students leave campus. "When they leave the school building and get out in the street, they can be victims of traffic accidents ... I don't condone that activity," Eason said, adding that students who cut class could be treated as truant or disciplined according to school policy.
The mayor said school buildings are hardened to protect students and that being outside during protests exposes them to safety risks and possible abuse. He also said he supports law enforcement and expressed concern over unvetted members of the public being near school children. He acknowledged differing views among council members and described his remarks as his personal opinion.
No formal council action was taken on the matter during open session; the mayor said he had discussed the situation with a school official and expected appropriate measures to be taken by the school.
