Student-led protest in Kansas escalates into physical altercation; one taken into custody
By Chloe Godding
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OLATHE, Kansas (KMBC) — The Olathe Police Department is investigating after a student protest on Friday turned into a physical disturbance.
Around 2 p.m., officers were called to the area of College Boulevard and South Lone Elm Road, near Olathe Northwest High School, on reports of a fight.
Police said they “stabilized” the incident after the protest escalated. While it’s not clear exactly how the situation unfolded, police said the protest resulted in an aggravated battery.
A juvenile male was taken into custody. Police did not provide an age. Investigators are still working to identify and contact others who may have been involved.
“The Olathe Police Department supports the community’s right to engage in peaceful protest and lawful assembly. We are committed to protecting those rights while also ensuring public safety,” police said in a news release. “Violence, property damage or threats to people will be addressed appropriately to protect the community.”
The incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Olathe Police Department at 913-971-6363 or the anonymous TIPS hotline at 816-474-8477.
School response
Olathe Northwest Principal Chris Zuck sent a letter to families after the incident.
Zuck emphasized in the letter that the walkout was not sponsored or organized by the school or its staff. Staff members do not participate in these student-organized walkouts or protests, but they do observe from a distance to ensure student safety.
Zuck said while the school knew about one of the walkouts, and communicated that with parents, the school did not know that a small group of students planned a separate demonstration, which was also protected by their constitutional rights.
The altercation took place off campus, Zuck said, though the school’s Safety Services staff did intervene along with other law enforcement.
“Let me be clear: while we value our students’ perspectives and recognize their constitutional right to participate in peaceful demonstrations, we do not tolerate violence,” Zuck said, in a section highlighted in bold. “When behavior crosses that line, it becomes a disciplinary matter, and there will be serious consequences in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct.
“While privacy laws prevent me from sharing specific consequences for individual students, please know that once those responsible are identified, the consequences will be serious as they are for any altercation that happens,” he continued. “Although we recognize students’ rights to express their views, we will not allow those rights to be used as justification for violence.”
Zuck noted that a social media post circulating online indicates there may be another student-led protest on Feb. 25 “concerning students’ personal beliefs and unrelated to immigration and federal agencies.” He said that staff will monitor any walkouts, as they previously have, but they cannot guarantee supervision for anything that happens off campus.
Zuck ended his letter with a message to students and parents:
“Students: Your voice matters. How you use it matters just as much. If you choose to participate in a walkout, we ask that you do so peacefully and respectfully. You are responsible for your actions, and you are responsible for how you represent yourself and our school community. Violence will never be tolerated, and it will always result in serious consequences.
Parents: We recognize and respect that you are the primary influence in your child’s life. Again, I would encourage you to have a conversation with your child about these walkouts and their level of participation. Please help your child understand that while they may have the right to peacefully protest, there are consequences if an altercation occurs. We appreciate your support in this matter.”
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