Monday, April 19, there was a protest at Grady in opposition to the proposed demerit system.
About 100-150 students participated in the activities including the sit-in, a walkout, and an assembly. Planned to be a peaceful affair, students soon became too emotional and a few violent outbursts occurred.
OFFICERS CALLED
To protect students inside the school, the office sent for law enforcement
officers. The students than went their separate ways, some to class, some
to the front of school, and some went to the assembly in the cafeteria where
9th graders were discussing the demerit system.
So far none of the students have been punished for attending the sit-in, with one exception.
STUDENT PUNISHED
Michael Flores, the adopted leader of the demonstration" transferred
to a school in his own district.
Things had calmed down on Tuesday. The loth grade assembly which took place 1st period brought out a few vocal outbursts from heated students but no real argument occurred.
OPINIONS STATED
Many opinions from both students and faculty about the sit-in have varied.
Principal Roger Derthick felt that "there was no justification, because
the demerit system was not in effect." He also said that he did not
think they knew what they were doing. Assistant Principal Clifford Ashmore
stated, "I think they were going about it the wrong way. I don't think
they accomplished anything in an unlawful way."
As for students' opinions, their feelings have changed in the last few days. Bobby Lee, freshman and a member of the Student-Faculty Board said, "The meetings throughout the week were not for arguing as to whether we were to put it in or not. They were just for the explanation of the demerit system. I don't really think the sit-in did much good." Youngstine Hughley, junior, said concerning the sit-in, "I was for what they did in the halls, but I think that they should have stayed together."
Mr. Derthick said that this was the "first-time ever" anything of the sort had occurred at Grady.
Coverage of the events were in Atlanta's news papers, the ATLANTA JOURNAL
and the ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, and local radio and television stations.