HCPS to meet with student leaders over planned ‘politically motivated’ protest

HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) — Hopewell City Public Schools (HCPS) on Saturday announced plans to meet with student leadership regarding a planned protest next week at Hopewell High School, which officials said they "have in no way sanctioned."

HCPS took to social media on Saturday, Feb. 7, after the school district said it's been made aware of a "politically motivated student protest" that former HCPS graduates are planning. The protest is slated for Friday, Feb. 13, officials said.

HCPS denied any involvement with the activity.

"A social media post is circulating on Hopewell local sites suggestive of the district’s support and coordination of this event. Neither the administrative team there nor district leadership were aware of this plan and have in no way sanctioned the activity," officials wrote in the post.

The school district said beginning Monday, Feb. 9, it will meet with the current student leadership to "engage them in discussions around better alternatives to channel their energy and concerns outside of school."

"The integrity of instructional time, design and building safety will always be our top priority and focus," the post read.

Officials did not provide additional information, such as the context around the planned protest, how many students would be involved or whether the protest would overlap with instructional time.

Saturday's announcement came after Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) students walked out of class early on Friday to protest recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices, joining a nationwide movement in solidarity with the immigrant communities. Students staged their Friday walkouts at several CCPS schools, including Matoaca, Clover Hill and Thomas Dale high schools.