More than 100 DHS students stage walkout over program
An estimated 100 to 120 students at Darlington High School walked out Feb. 28 to protest what they saw as censorship of a Black History Month presentation.
The students walked out to protest what has been reported as school officials’ concerns about a group of DHS students’ staging a Black History Month play about George Floyd that included a scene of one student with a knee on another student’s neck, referencing Floyd’s death after a police officer pinned him down with a knee to the neck.
That officer, Derek Chauvin, was convicted of murder in the 2020 Minnesota case; evidence showed he kept his knee on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes as Floyd begged for help.
According to reports, the DHS students said they canceled the play after being told it could not or should not show anyone putting a knee to anyone’s neck. The school district said it sought more details on the play but the students said no. The walkout apparently was held to show support for the students who felt they were censored.
“District and school administration were on hand at the protest to ensure the safety of students” during the walkout, the Darlington County School District said in a statement. “The Darlington County School District recognizes that our students have a right to use their voices positively and responsibly to effect change. At the same time, we must balance their freedom of speech with our responsibility to protect their safety and to provide a learning environment free of disruptions for our other students.”
Education Superintendent Tim Newman planned to meet with student leaders to address students’ concerns, the district said.