On April 19th, 2021, my high school (Richfield High School in Richfield, Minnesota,) along with many other schools participated in a school walk about against police violence on people of color. Joe Walker, a beloved Social Studies and psychology teacher, participated in this walkout after being asked to by multiple students. 

School staff are technically not allowed to participate in these student led walkouts. But because Mr. Walker cares so deeply for his students of all races, religions, creeds, etc. He wanted to be there to support his students and his community. He and his fiancée were there to provide support, share their voices, and even went as far as to feed the group. 

Because of his actions, the school board believes that the “best” solution is to not only dock his pay for the day, but to tell him that his only two options for next year are for him to resign voluntarily or to not renew his teaching license. They also do not need to disclose why they refused renewal because he is not tenured. 

I, along with multitudes of students, are obviously furious that the board wants to refuse to let a beloved teacher return to school because he wanted to stand up for his students and his community. That’s why I’m asking you to help me prove to them that their choice is ridiculous- Joe Walker is someone who loves his school, his students, and his job. He’s created a safe space for so many students. He needs to stay.