Hamilton Co. schools reaction to Brainerd High football protest controversy
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) The Hamilton County Department of Education has responded to the Brainerd High football controversy on Friday.
Interim Superintendent Kelly issued this statement:
As you know, the Times Free Press ran a story this morning about a possible protest at the Brainerd High School football game this evening. As soon as this came to our attention, our leadership team quickly assembled in order to obtain as much information as possible and to develop a plan to support the players and the school. Here is what we learned:
1) The players knew nothing about a plan for a protest.
2) The principal knew nothing about a plan for a protest.
3) It was not until the article came out that players and the principal became aware of the situation.
To confirm, there is no plan for the players to protest this evening at the Brainerd football game. Assistant Superintendent Zac Brown has made two visits to Brainerd High today to meet with players, coaches and administrators. He has also spoken with school administrators in Marion County. Assistant Superintendent Lee McDade has spoken with Marion County and Hamilton County law enforcement to ensure a safe environment for tonight’s game.
Teachers and coaches are entitled to their personal views on matters of public concern. However, they are not permitted to use their position as school system employees as a platform to express those views, nor are they permitted to use their position as authority figures to impress those views on students.
Several members of our leadership team (myself, Zac Brown, Jill Levine and Justin Robertson) plan to attend the game tonight to support the team. Our focus will be on the students and what we expect to be a great football game.
Thank you for your concern and input. Please reach out to us as needed with additional questions and comments.
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