George,

My daughter, a seventh grader at Buford, is passionately against this war. She was making plans to participate in the walk out CHS students are planning for Monday when her principal informed her that should she walk out in protest of the war, she would receive 10 days OSS (Out of school suspension, for those of you unschooled in the new language of discipline).

I think that's a pretty damned high price to pay and would rather she didn't pay it, mostly because that means I'll have to be the good activist parent and fight it, and I just don't have the time or the energy.

She went to school today armed with the name of the Supreme Court decision that upholds her right to free speech while on school property, though she has pretty much decided not to walk out -- the thought of all that make up work is daunting.

Since she can't walk out, I would love to hear any ideas you all might have for ways for her to protest within the school. And should any of you feel the need to express your views to the principal of Buford Middle School, his name is Timothy Flynn and his e-mail address is Timothy.Flynn@ccs.k12.va.us.
The phone number at Buford is 245-2411.

Peace -

Sue Herndon (electronic mail, March 20, 2003)