Students at Sewickley Academy protested today after police were called during a conflict with administrators Thursday.
About 50 students and their parents stood across the street from their school Friday. They believe their concerns about what they say is a lack of inclusivity and diversity on campus go unheard.
Student Madeleine Wren spoke to News KDKA Radio about the current movement to create change at Sewickley Academy.
"This movement is because us, as students, are afraid in our school," she said. "We have been censored and we will not put up with it."
They say that was the case Thursday when students and parents tried to take a petition to Head of Schools Dr. Ashley Birtwell. Birtwell, however, was in other meetings. The petition began circulating last year amid staffing cuts and the firing of several administrators, including the director of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.
Birtwell said she is open to conversation with students, but was critical of the way they approached her office Thursday.
"Yesterday was anything but calm in the sense that there was swearing," she said. "There was some really targeted words used against my assistant.
That's not the type of behavior we can encourage on campus," Birtwell said.
Students say that is a misrepresentation of what happened, adding they felt unsafe in the office. Those who were present during the incident say a teacher attempting to comfort students was fired on the spot.
"When she refused to leave, (an administrator) told her she was fired," said student Georgia Cox. "She asked for clarification and said 'did I hear that right, am I fired?' He said 'yes, you can go.' That is when she left."
During questioning by reporters, Birtwell would not confirm that exchange, only adding administrators have not made any decisions related to staffing.
"I was not there, personally" Birtwell said. "What I can tell you is that no personnel decisions have been made to date, and we are currently looking into that with the appropriate parties."
Classes at the senior school were canceled Friday. In a letter to families, Birtwell said the decision was made to allow students to "pause, reflect and regroup."
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