Victoria Harkless
Assistant Editor-In-Chief
On the morning of April 13th, 2021 students arriving at the Ironwood High School campus were met with a group of pro-life protestors in front of both entrances to the school.
According to Officer Gerald Sydnor, there were two groups. One on Sweetwater, which was a larger group of about ten protestors, and one on 59th Avenue by the student parking lot entrance. The protest was overseen by Officer Sydnor, his superior officer, and another member of the Glendale Police Department. Members of the Ironwood High School security were also there to keep conversations or interactions from getting aggressive.
Despite rumors as of April 13th, there were no reports of violence between the protestors and students. With that being said, if you do approach them to debate or speak you MUST remain respectful and can not escalate the situation. If you are found escalating or being disrespectful you will be asked to leave the area. If you are walking into school and you are offered something by them, you do not have to take it.
It has become debated among students if they are allowed to be here or not but the definitive answer is they are. The sidewalks where they are standing is public property so the school has no say over their actions on those streets. It has also been confirmed that these pro-life protestors come to protest here just about every year. Officer Sydnor said in his eight years they have been here at least once every year.
If you do wish to counter-protest (protest against them), you have the right to do so but Officer Sydnor encouraged going to administration and asking how you are allowed to do so. If you do counter- protest again you must remain respectful of opposing views or you will be asked to stop.
Here at the Eagle’s Eye we suggest forming your own opinions and we are not supporting either argument. Again, we ask you to remain respectful and peaceful while the protestors practice their first amendment right.
Image Credit: Maria Oswalt
Σχόλια