Students at Marist Catholic High School in Eugene, Oregon, held an on-campus protest following the dismissal of a teacher, Jack Kiesewetter. The demonstration, involving approximately 50 students, was organized in response to the school's decision to terminate the teacher's employment after he reportedly made comments concerning the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Key Takeaways
- Around 50 students at Marist Catholic High School participated in a protest.
- The demonstration was in support of former teacher Jack Kiesewetter, who was recently dismissed.
- The protest was held on school grounds due to what students described as "safety reasons."
- A student-led petition calling for a review of the dismissal has collected more than 450 signatures.
Details of the On-Campus Demonstration
On Friday, a group of students gathered at the Eugene high school to voice their opposition to the administration's recent staffing decision. According to an anonymous student source, the number of participants was estimated to be around 50.
The planned walkout was modified to remain within the school's property lines. This decision was reportedly made by student organizers to ensure the safety of all participants. During the event, school administrators were seen guiding a group of students back onto the main campus area, although it remains unconfirmed if this group was directly part of the organized protest.
The demonstration aimed to draw attention to the students' concerns and show solidarity with the dismissed educator. The event remained peaceful and confined to the school's premises throughout its duration.
Background on the Dismissal
The protest centers on the termination of teacher Jack Kiesewetter. His dismissal is allegedly linked to comments he made regarding the death of Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative activist. The specific nature of these comments has not been publicly disclosed by the school.
School's Response and Student Engagement
When contacted for a statement regarding the protest and the teacher's dismissal, Marist Catholic High School administration declined to comment on the matter. This is common in personnel issues to protect individual privacy.
However, school officials did provide guidance to students on how to express their concerns through official channels. Students were advised to communicate their perspectives by:
- Emailing or scheduling a meeting with the school principal.
- Speaking with school counselors for support.
- Engaging with the campus ministry team.
This approach suggests the administration is encouraging dialogue through established internal processes rather than public demonstrations.
Clarification on Faculty Status
Initial reports suggested that Jack Kiesewetter's wife, Jenny Kiesewetter, who also teaches at the school, had resigned in solidarity. However, it has since been clarified that she remains an active member of the teaching staff at Marist Catholic High School.
Petition for Reinstatement Gains Traction
In addition to the on-campus protest, students have launched a digital petition calling for the school to formally review the decision to dismiss Mr. Kiesewetter. The petition has quickly gained momentum within the school community and beyond.
As of the latest reports, the petition has garnered more than 450 signatures. This figure indicates a significant level of support for the former teacher and a widespread desire among signatories for the administration to reconsider its decision. The petition serves as another formal avenue for students and community members to voice their collective opinion on the issue.
"Students say they kept to campus due to 'safety reasons'," highlighting the organizers' intention to maintain a secure environment for the protest.
Broader Context of Student Activism
The events at Marist Catholic High School are part of a wider trend of student activism in the region. Recently, students at Thurston High School also organized a walkout related to a teacher's social media post concerning Charlie Kirk, indicating that the activist's death has become a catalyst for discussions on free speech and faculty conduct in local schools.
These incidents underscore a growing willingness among high school students to organize and advocate for issues they are passionate about, particularly concerning the treatment of educators and the boundaries of expression within educational institutions. The use of both on-site demonstrations and online petitions shows a multi-faceted approach to modern student advocacy.