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Community speakers press board on student protests, school name and tree protection
Summary
During public comment the board heard calls for a written, viewpoint-neutral policy on student demonstrations, pleas to rename James Blair Middle School because of ties to enslavement, concerns about tree damage at a pre-K construction site, and both criticism and defense of student walkouts.
A broad cross-section of community members and student leaders addressed the Williamsburg-James City County School Board during public comment, urging clearer policies and greater attention to equity and preservation.
Susan Franz, a community member, urged the board to adopt a "clear written viewpoint neutral policy for student political activity on school grounds," arguing that an ad hoc administrative decision allowing a short student walkout to protest ICE could obligate the district to accommodate other demonstrations if criteria are not established. "By accommodating this protest, this district may now be obligated to accommodate any student demonstration on any topic…
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