A Message From Principal Glenn
January 27, 2026
Regarding Student Walkout
Greetings, Beacon Hill Middle School Students and Community:
We want to acknowledge and respect the concerns of our students and the broader community regarding the recent federal immigration enforcement actions currently underway. Beacon Hill Middle School recognizes the importance of raising awareness and advocating for change, and we respect students' willingness to participate in a walkout.
As safety is our top priority, this afternoon, the BHMS administration team met with the student leaders of the potential walkout and offered a safe space on campus for students to hold a peaceful demonstration that we can manage from a safety perspective.
The BHMS administration stressed the importance of adhering to the City Schools of Decatur Board Policy JCEC: Student Demonstrations and Strikes, which states:
The Board of Education does not discourage or prohibit the peaceful expression of opinions or ideas. Students may exercise their freedoms of speech and assembly as set forth in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States as long as these activities do not interfere with school purposes, educational functions, or normal operation, cause a school disruption, interfere with the school's ability to keep students safe, or violate the student code of conduct.
In accordance with Board policy, we also reiterated to students that walkouts during instructional time are not permitted. While we support students' interest in civic engagement, we encourage them to explore alternative, appropriate ways to express their views and take action that do not disrupt the school day. It is important that students and families need to understand that violations of the CSD Code of Conduct may result in consequences. Students have been reminded that, consistent with the Code of Conduct, any student who elects to leave campus during the school day will not be permitted to return to campus.
Here are some alternatives:
Organize a peaceful demonstration or vigil: Gather students and community members outside of school hours.
Create awareness campaigns: Develop and share informational materials, such as posters, flyers, or social media posts, to educate your peers and the community.
Contact your elected officials: Write letters, make phone calls, or attend town hall meetings to express your concerns and urge them to take action.
If students elect to participate in a walkout, the following guidelines must be observed:
Students should follow administrators' instructions regarding assembly locations and safety measures. A designated location will be chosen for safety reasons and should not be interpreted as approval of the walkout by CSD or BHMS.
Students will be subject to rules 10AC, 10AD, 3AJ, and 3AK in the CSD Student Code of Conduct (see pages 15-49). In addition, any student will face consequences if they violate any other rules during the walkout.
Thank you for your understanding and dedication to creating a safer, more compassionate community.
Sincerely,
Alexis Glenn
Principal BHMS
