Protesters Gather Near BHS Monday After Student Walk-Out Against Bullying Canceled

Days after a student walk-out against bullying was canceled following threats of suspension, a group of adults plan to protest near Bolingbrook High School over the issue. 

The protesters plan to gather across the street from BHS near Jaycee Park Monday morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Rev. Pat Green, a Lockport pastor, helped organize the event after he said students were "denied the right to take a stand." 

At least 30 students planned to leave class to gather near the cafeteria around 1 p.m. Wednesday. The protest sought to draw attention to what at least one student has called a "bullying epidemic" at BHS. 

Students were also encouraged to wear purple in memory of Kenyatta Parker, who died in March. Her mother told the Sun-Times her daughter took her life after being bullied on Facebook. 

The student walkout was canceled after BHS Principal Michael White said the event was fake and threatened to suspend any student who participated. Those who participated would also be unable to take their finals. 

A BHS student said the walk-out was planned as part of National Stand Up & Walk Out Against Bullying Day. International Stand Up to Bullying Day was Friday. 

Last year, dozens of students walked out of class to sign a petition for the arrest of George Zimmerman following the death of Trayvon Martin. Fabby Williams was principal of Bolingbrook High School at that time. You can see dozens of students sitting in the cafeteria during this walk-out in this YouTube video. 

Patch contacted both Bolingbrook High School Principal Michael White and Valley View School District 365U Superintendent James Mitchem for comment. Neither official responded as of post time.