W.V. Student Walkout Demands Separation of Church and School

Latest

Editor’s note: A walk out of students at Huntington High School in West Virginia took place on February 9, 2022 after their school opened its door to a Christian revivalist minister. Students say the minister used manipulative language, and even had church-affiliated practitioners make physical contact with students.  He said in the audio recording of his Sermon at the school,“I’m going to send some people from Christ Temple to come down to where you stand. So if you feel a hand on your shoulder, they’re just going to come and pray with you and agree with you that it’s time to follow Jesus.” That day, several teachers forced their students to attend this already impermissible school-sponsored religious service. . . [and that] this is “a clear and inexcusable violation of our rights as students and as Americans; we are guaranteed a religiously neutral public education experience by the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.” (The above are excerpts from a Petition on Facebook about the incident.) The link to the Petition is at the end of this story.

Student walkout at Huntington High School in West Virginia
Photo: Sophie Eastone

Student Max Niberta said the following about the walkout:  

Photo/Video Credits: Sophie Eastone

 “I am incredibly touched by the sheer number of students that attended the walkout [on February 9, 2022] (150-200 by my own estimate). The passion shown out there Wednesday morning was a welcome surprise. To my peers, and everyone who has messaged, commented, shared, or just silently supported, my thanks will never be enough.

Student walkout at Huntington High School in West Virginia
Video: Sophie Eastone

Unfortunately, it seems our complaints fell on deaf ears. Several principals supervised our protest; their unaffected nature was palpable and when given the opportunity to address the student body, they declined. We have yet to open any form of communication with the CCBOE, not for lack of trying, and they seem dead set on maintaining complete silence and hoping this all blows over.

We refuse to let that happen.

Student walk out  at Huntington High School in West Virginia after their school opened its door to a Christian revivalist minister and students were instructed to attend. Students chanted: “Separation of church and state.”  Photo//video still, Sophie Eastone

Linked below is an online petition created by my peers and I. I’ll also include a QR code to it in the media below. Please read our write-up and sign if you agree that inaction is not an option, especially given the startling updates concerning this matter that seemingly never end. The administration at Huntington High School and the Cabell County Board of Education have a LOT to answer for.”

From the Petition: We, the student body of Huntington High School, demand serious action from those tasked with protecting and molding us. Anything less would be an utter failure at that responsibility. See the Petition at:

https://forms.gle/GDyYUUfnAcdbXGwv6

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

“No Kings” Protests Set to Sweep US Even as Trump Increases Attacks on Activists

Republicans are already smearing the protesters, but their intimidation tactics are out of touch with reality.

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

A Salute to Chicagoans Fighting ICE

A salute to Chicagoans fighting ICE and to the food delivery worker on a bicycle who outrode ICE agents after they tried to kidnap him on the streets of downtown Chicago.

More from the People's Tribune