Posted on 04/01/2006 7:12:17 PM PST by Jedidah
Mayra Hernandez and Lesly Hernandez planned to look pretty for the Ennis High School senior prom on Saturday night.
But they won't be going because they joined a protest.
"We all bought dresses, accessories, and we rented a limo and all that," Mayra said. "Now all that money is just going to waste."
Thousands of North Texas students skipped classes this week to demonstrate against the immigration bill now being considered by the U.S. Congress.
About 130 Ennis ISD students—from sixth graders to seniors—joined in Thursday, despite a school district warning that any student participating would be suspended until Monday, including the prom.
The district suspended Aracely Garcia, even though her mother excused her from school for the demonstration. "We shouldn't get suspended—and especially not from prom—just because he thinks we shouldn't protest over something we believe is right," Aracely said.
Mayra's sister-in-law, Noemi Garza, urged the school district to let the suspended students attend the prom. "They are trying to punish these kids with something that they've been looking forward to," Garza said. "These girls will never have another chance."
But as parents and school staff set up decorations for Saturday's event, the Ennis ISD held firm.
School officials declined interviews with News 8, but Superintendent Mike Harper told the Ennis Daily News, "one of the greatest gifts we give to immigrants and their families is a free public education, and it shows extraordinarily poor judgment for those who have received that gift to walk out on it."
If they can't go, the suspended seniors said they will walk in protest Saturday night outside KJT Auditorium, where the prom takes place.
" . . . one of the greatest gifts we give to immigrants and their families is a free public education, and it shows extraordinarily poor judgment for those who have received that gift to walk out on it."
Applauding.....Good job Superintendent.
"Yes, we know just how you feel." -American taxpayer
I think he deserves a standing ovation.. BRAVO!
susie
Ouch, you summed up my thoughts quite succinctly...
If you think missing the prom is bad, you should have seen what they did to the pro America students waving the US flag.....
Congratulations to Superintendant Harper. This will be a good lesson in taking responsibility for ones actions.
Is there a standing ovation "smilee" emoticon?
or
perhaps a US Flag waiving emoticon?
Yes, but I'm an idiot and don't know how to post it.
I wanted to e-mail Supt. Harper and tell him how much I appreciate his good sense, but the Ennis ISD website seems to be down. Wonder if it's been flooded with people who feel the same :)
I am shocked! Congrats to the Supt. and district for standing up. Now if they could only order water cannons for any protesters who show up at prom...
If anybody later posts an e-mail address, I'll also pass along my thanks.
Great quote from Superintendent Harper...
It should be quoted by ALL of the Superintendents and Principals in the nation.
Oh...and how classy of the students to protest AT the prom...so they can attempt to ruin the dance for the rest of the school.
Excellent!
If they didn't realize it already, these students have learned that actions have consequences.
They can all wear their fancy duds and go party in Mexico!
Since they won't be able to get back we won't have to finance their "education" any more.
Well done Superintendent! It's nice to see an administrator with backbone in these days of corrupt public school admins...
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