I found the juxtaposition of New London High School’s walk-out on March 14, “Tension in New London,” with the walk-outs in schools in other schools “Walk out with a message” problematic reporting. The coverage of NLHS’s walk-out focused on conflict between student groups, which misses the point.

Because of the leadership by Hearing Youth Voices, a group of young people of color who consistently speak truth to power, the NLHS walk-out had the clearest message of any reported on. To ignore that, and to insinuate that the only walk-outs “with a message” happened at schools of mostly white students, is racist. I call on the staff of The Day to reflect on how you report about events organized by students of color.

The statement that HYV released prior to the walk-out lays out specific needs for Black and Brown students to feel safe at school. This is their message – and if we care about young people, we adults need to listen. I believe their vision for what schools could look like is one that protects and values all students. It's the way forward.

I commend every young person who walked out or in. It takes courage to lead and to say what you need. I appreciate you for holding us adults accountable - our world will be better off for it.

Kelsey Alexander

Colchester