A Minnetonka elementary school sent kids home five hours early Wednesday because “outside protest groups plan to rally at the District Service Center.”
The principal of Clear Springs Elementary, which shares an entrance and parking lot with the service center, told parents at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning that their students would be dismissed at 10:30 a.m.
“We have reliable information that some outside protest groups plan to rally at the District Service Center this afternoon in protest over an incident at the High School last week,” said Principal Curt Carpenter. “The actions of these groups while on District property is unpredictable, so we need to take steps to protect our students and staff at Clear Springs.”
Carpenter appears to be referring to a walkout organized by Minnesota Teen Activists, a student protest group that has orchestrated several walkouts across the Twin Cities.
The protest was organized in response to an incident involving Minnetonka High School’s girls basketball team, whose head coach stepped down Wednesday.
“There was a dispute between some of our students — which has now circulated and been fueled on social media — involving accusations of hurtful and derogatory words,” Minnetonka High School Principal Jeff Erickson said in an email to parents.
He asked students and families to “not make accusations or assumptions about what you believe might have transpired or what actions the administration may be taking or not taking.”
“I know receiving a message like this is probably very disconcerting,” Principal Carpenter wrote to parents. “Please know that our students and staff are safe and that we remain focused on their safety and well-being. We will share with students that we will be dismissing early today due to a big event that is planned for next door at the District Service Center. We will not share anything that may upset them.”
