Op-Ed: PUSD Superintendent Edwin Diaz Writes

Dear Editor,

In the wake of fights at John Muir High School last week, reports have focused on the possible causes of the conflicts and the nature of the law enforcement response.  However, as I continued to learn more about last week’s incident and based on what I observed directly, it is apparent to me from the actions of employees, response from public safety partners, and the community’s support in the days following the event, that even in the midst of a crisis, the majority of students and adults met high expectations for behavior, collaborated, and responded in a way that ensured the safety of our students.

Most in our community are now aware that a fight between two students and a decision by other students to throw water balloons resulted in a series of conflicts during lunchtime.  Because of their varying degrees of poor judgment, 18 students have been identified as instigating or participating in the altercations.

This behavior is unacceptable, and school and district officials communicated our lack of tolerance for such actions by disciplining those students with sanctions from suspension to recommendation for expulsion.   Our investigation into the fights is ongoing, and we will identify the core underlying issues that precipitated the violence and provide resources to help students work through their conflicts.

While the behavior of a 18 teenagers is unfortunate for its impact on the majority of Muir’s 1,200 students, school employees and the community, what has not been widely reported is the excellent response by Muir employees and community members to immediately stabilize the campus, calm parents, and regain the focus on instruction.

As soon as problems arose, administrators enacted the shelter-in-place procedure and directed all students to return to classrooms.  Students complied quickly, and within minutes, they were not only safe and protected, but engaged in learning as teachers resumed instruction.  When notified that students would be released early, teachers, administrators, community members and law enforcement worked together to reunite students with their parents in an orderly and efficient manner.

Due to our positive partnership, district and school officials worked alongside the Pasadena Police Department to follow emergency procedures, prioritize student safety and calm the fears of parents and community members.

Our expectation of our students, staff, and community is this: we put students first, focus on academic achievement, and collaborate in ways that support our ability to accomplish those goals.  For this reason, I offer my gratitude to all who supported Muir this past week and especially, commend the response of Muir administrators and staff.

Sincerely,

Edwin Diaz