Re “Sheila Silver’s Dismissal Triggers Culver AVPA Student Protest”
Chanting “Save Our Silver” to the rhythmic melody in the background of supportive horn-honking by drivers curling down Elenda Street, a band of “frustrated” Culver City High School students, waving colorful banners, this morning staged their second pre-starting bell protest of the firing of drama teacher Sheila Silver.
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Demonstrations moved into their second week amidst reports that the teacher is openly responding to her recent uncoupling after leading her theatre students to the maximum number of major drama prizes in her two years on the faculty.
“We plan to continue protesting,” student organizer Kevin Mitchell told the newspaper, “but this is not all that we are doing.
“And Ms. Silver already has commented publicly on the reasons for her firing. She said she feels she has been targeted and harassed by those in charge and certain other members of the faculty.
“She has been written up for a number of minor infractions that most teachers are not written up for.
“For example, there was an early arrival of set-building materials. She said she couldn’t do the unloading herself. Because the truck was there, she had to pull some kids out of class. If you are pulling a kid out of class, you are supposed to give two weeks’ notice. She couldn’t do that because the truck was right there.
“Other teachers have done that, tool, and they are not written up.
“I feel as if she is being watched very carefully. I don’t know why. Ms. Silver also said she was told she won too many awards last year, that she should have been more modest.
“We don’t understand.”
If it is not oxymoronic, last Thursday’s opening protest and this morning’s rally have been understated, cordial and respectful, not hard-edged demanding in the tradition of student uprisings.
Perhaps the strongest sign this morning read “We Want an Answer” — reflecting the low-key attitude of organizers such as Mr. Mitchell.
“We are frustrated,” he said, “because it is still going on. We didn’t expect the decision to be reversed right away. But we are hurt and frustrated.”
Mr. Mitchell said dozens of protest emails have been sent to the School Board, which next meets on Tuesday, Feb. 22. Protestors promise to be there.
