Albemarle School Superintendent Kevin Castner was queried this afternoon on county public schools' position and policies regarding student political protests (in particular anti-war protests). He was asked how a school would respond if a student decided to walk out, have a demonstration, wear an armband, or put up anti-war posters.

"I would hope the kids would work with the principal to constructively do something. If they want to have a forum on the war, or other issue, work with the principal to arrange something that's educational and not disruptive," he said, noting that by working together the students and administration could "create an opportunity for dialogue."

He said there were no specific guidelines in County school policy concerning protesting.

As to a walkout? "A walkout would not be without consequence," he replied, although he did not specify what the consequence would be. Making it clear that he didn't see walking out as a constructive form of protest, he noted, "there are common-sense judgment calls the kids have to make within parameters."

But Kastner clearly thinks that constructive political protest has a place in the schools. "The ultimate goal is not to try to handle [protest] in a punitive way, but to handle it in a way that furthers the educational purpose of the school."

He has no problem with political posters if they're put up in an appropriate place. And armbands? It's okay to wear them in county schools.

- Jim Heilman (March 20, 2003)