Students’ act of protest ignites social media

Several members of the Cairo High School Syrupmaker Marching Band took a knee rather than stand as the band performed the National Anthem during Friday night’s pre-game performance at West Thomas Stadium.

The form of protest by the seven students incited emotional reactions on multiple fronts that were spelled out, mainly on social media, over the weekend and into this week.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Dr. Kermit Gilliard, superintendent of Grady County Schools, stated, “As national politics, social injustice and COVID-19 continue to adjust the world around us, our students are trying to find their place and where they fit into the discussion. It is our job as educators to help guide them on their journey.

“As an educational institution, it is our responsibility to take moments like this and learn from them, as well as, teach our students. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that students do not ‘shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate’ (Tinker v. Des Moines, 1969).

“We are asking the community to be respectful and refrain from derogatory social media posts and to teach their own children the values they believe will help them most through life.”

John Scanling, band director at Cairo High, also issued a statement, “Of course, I was disappointed our students chose to kneel, and appreciate everyone’s concern. As an educator, my concern is for the students. The band is the largest, most diverse group on campus. We stress that we must respect each other to function as an organization. Some of the students don’t have anything in common other than music, but if they don’t try to know students who are not like themselves, they are missing an opportunity.

“If part of our band family is hurting, it’s our responsibility to find out why. Rather than focus on punishing our family, we need to seize the teachable moment and encourage growth. These are the lessons these young adults will remember long after the music has stopped.”

Chris Lokey, principal of C.H.S., stated, “We hope that this experience allows all stakeholders, students, staff, parents and community, to come together to discuss our views and learn from each other in a safe and supportive way. Cairo High School is a family, and like a family, we will treat all of our members with respect and esteem. Going forward, we hope that this event will bring us closer together as a school and a community.”

The Syrupmakers are off the gridiron this weekend, and return to play Friday, Nov. 6, at Thomas County Central High School.