HOUSTON — Hundreds of students walked out of Eastwood Academy High School on Thursday. They're unhappy about the sudden removal of several staff members.
Parents and community members took part in the protest, too. They want to know why their principal, vice principal, guidance counselor and librarian are gone.
A voicemail is how the Eastwood community found out about the changes. They said there wasn't enough information provided and they want to know why it happened.
"This is not fair," one student said during Thursday's protest.
Eastwood is a top-ranked school made up of about 400 students. The main concern for the students is that the only counselor for the entire school was among those who were removed.
In a statement, Houston ISD said it takes student safety in schools very seriously. It said the staff transitions were made after an investigation into incidents at the campus, but didn't provide details about the incidents or the investigation. The district did say that law enforcement was investigating.
For junior Sophia Aguilar, the issue is personal.
"My mother was a former principal at Eastwood Academy up until two days ago," she said.
Aguilar said the last two days were overwhelming and stressful.
"The support is amazing. It’s definitely helped me," she said.
On Thursday afternoon, HISD held a virtual news conference about the changes. HISD Chief of Communications Leila Walsh referenced allegations of inappropriate behavior involving adults and children as the reason behind the changes, although the nature of the behavior was not explained. KHOU 11 executive producer Wiley Post asked about the allegations, but no additional details were given. You can see that exchange below.
A direct result of KHOU 11's questions at the news conference, the district later sent the following answers.
How many employees at Eastwood Academy were removed from their positions?
"Five."
Is law enforcement investigating?
"Yes."
Who will take over the vacant position or positions?
"We have reassigned staff to cover all positions and will be hiring for the campus."
Will there be support for students in completing their college applications?
"Yes. Beginning today (Thursday), HISD has temporarily brought in more college advisors to help students identify colleges and universities that could be a good fit, and to complete their college applications and financial aid forms."
Full HISD statement received Wednesday
"HISD takes student safety in our schools very seriously. The staff transitions at Eastwood Academy were made after an investigation into incidents at the campus. While we cannot comment further on the incidents or the investigation, we will notify the school community as soon as we have identified a new principal."