8/16/2019 School Board Denies Student Charged With Murder Request To Walk With Classmates

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PRESS RELEASE

By both state and federal law, student records are confidential and the

Stokes County Board of Education cannot comment upon any individual

student. However, in response to questions from the news media regarding

participation in commencement exercises, the Stokes County Board of

Education releases the following general statement:

By policy school officials are required to take reasonable measures to

preserve a safe and orderly environment when any student has been charged

with a serious crime regardless of whether or not the alleged offense was

committed on school property. A student charged with a serious criminal

offense traditionally is not permitted to participate in any school activity that

is deemed to be a privilege. The student is entitled to an education that is

provided in an alternative setting and to a diploma upon completion of the

credits necessary for graduation.

Participation in school activities and events, including a graduation

ceremony, is a privilege and not a right. In determining whether or not any

student is allowed to exercise this privilege, a board of education is required

to balance the interests of the individual student who desires to participate

and the interests of all other students who also wish to exercise this privilege.

The final decision in all cases must be based on what the board of educationbelieves is in the best interest of all students and their families.