In a statement released Feb. 11, Superintendent John P. Hart said students chose to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful assembly by gathering after school grounds to make their voices heard on an issue important to them.
At approximately 10:55 a.m., participating students exited the school in an orderly manner and walked to the corner of Fairchild and Vermilion streets, where they held a brief demonstration lasting about one hour.
District officials emphasized that the demonstration was organized independently by students, without involvement or direction from Danville High School or Danville Community Consolidated School District 118. Students remained off school property throughout the event.
Law enforcement was present to help ensure student safety, and school staff maintained a distant, unobtrusive presence for the same purpose, according to the statement.
Hart said the district supports students understanding their rights, valuing their voices and engaging in civic expression as part of their development as informed citizens. He encouraged members of the media seeking more information about the demonstration to speak directly with the students who organized and participated in it.