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Board President Wants To Ban Political Rallies At Schools, Calls Clinton Visit “Inappropriate”

FORT SMITH (KFSM) –The Fort Smith School Board president wants to ban partisan political rallies on school grounds, calling President Bill Clinton’s rally at No...

FORT SMITH (KFSM) –The Fort Smith School Board president wants to ban partisan political rallies on school grounds, calling President Bill Clinton’s rally at Northside High School earlier this month “inappropriate”.

School Board President Deanie Mehl said the school district received complaints from parents following the Nov. 2 rally, which was used by Clinton to stump for area Democrats, including Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.). School officials said before the rally that it would be strictly voluntary, although Mehl said some students felt they were compelled to be there.

“It was my understanding that the students could opt out to be there if they chose, the spirit groups and the band and all that, that it was voluntary,” Jeannie Cole, school board member said.

Northside High School’s pom squad performed at the rally, along with school band members. Mehl said she felt their appearance at the partisan rally was also inappropriate. School officials said students could have skipped the event if they wanted. Cheerleader Hannah Quimbo said her participation was mandatory.

"It was a requirement, but at the same time I think it was pretty cool going and learning about everything that's going on,” Hannah Quimbo, cheerleader said.

Mehl said she feels uncomfortable having a taxpayer-funded public entity allow partisan events on its property.

"I think they should hear from both sides,” Dylan Schluterman, former student said.

“My understanding was the school district also talked with the Republican Party, and they were discussing setting something up at Southside and that just didn’t happen,” Cole said.

In response to the controversy, the School Board may enact a policy barring partisan political events on school grounds, Mehl said. She does not want to prohibit political figures from schools completely, though, because Mehl said she has no problem with the governor and other figures speaking at schools to promote an initiative or to recognize student excellence.

School district policy allows for outside organizations and figures to speak at and hold events at Fort Smith schools. Such events are handled by school administrators on a case-by-case basis, and Mehl said she wants a more detailed policy.

The next meeting will take place on Dec. 15, but school board members said they likely won’t vote on a policy change until their meeting in January.

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