Maryland Students Suspended For Trying To Organize Walkout

Students involved say there are unsanitary conditions within the school

Four students at a high school in Prince George's County have been suspended after trying to organize a demonstration against what they say are unsanitary conditions within the school.

A five-day suspension was imposed by Northwestern High School principal Edward Batenga after he picked up information on a Twitter feed about a planned walkout by students last week. Those students, approximately 400, were set to protest conditions in the school and policy they say is unacceptable.

"There were basic issues of sanitation in the school, including running water in the bathroom sinks and sanitary problems with the cafeteria food," says student spokesman Zach Cilik. "There were also issues around teacher pay raises."

Batenga, who successfully supressed the planned walk-out, claims in published reports that he suspended the students for trying to incite others to disturbance and/or violence. School policy allows students to assemble and demonstrate on school ground with approval from the principal.

Tonight's meeting will address the incident and solutions to student complaints.

Complete story at wamu.org

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