Southwest Start of Morning with Demonstration by Independent Group

The First Amendment (Amendment I) to the United States Constitution prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances. It was adopted on December 15, 1791, as one of the ten amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights.

We may or may not agree with the opinions, beliefs, thoughts and ideas of others.  At the same time we need to think carefully about the right to express those thoughts. 

This morning an independent group of people expressed their thoughts and opinions.  Do they have the right to do  - absolutely.  The sidewalk was built and maintained by the city and tax payers.  It is a public place.  People have a right to assemble on the sidewalk and to express their opinions.

A peaceful assembly may chat and sing songs and make speeches.  We see that in many places in our local area and throughout the country.  Do they have the right to block entrances or to threaten the security of others – absolute not.  The issue become matters of degree.  What is an expression of opinion and what takes away the rights of others.

Part of any discussion should be the audience or participants.  If I am opposed, I do not need to read the pamphlets or listen to the speakers.  If I do not want to be part of the conversation I certainly do not want to cause an issue that will only increase media attention or provide dignity to something I do not choose to support.

Whose rights do we choose to protect and which issues do we choose to endorse or oppose? 

If the topic comes up in class I trust that we will take advantage of the learning opportunities.

MPS safety and security staff and Minneapolis police are monitoring the situation. The safety of our students and staff is a top priority.

We will work with our students and school community to ensure that learning continues today as we work toward a strong finish to the school year. Thank you for your patience and support.

Thank you.

Bill Smith

Southwest High School, Principal