HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — An Ottawa County resident spoke during Zeeland Public School’s board of education meeting Monday, suggesting she’d sue the district and invite the Michigan Militia to show up at schools. Afterwards, ZPS officials messaged parents that they support the right of free speech for all and “and the individual rights of everyone to engage in a civil and constructive manner because it is the right thing to do in our society and it is the right example to set for our children.
“However, Zeeland Public Schools takes statements such as the one given by the individual this past Monday evening very seriously because they have the potential to disturb efforts the district is striving to make in order to sustain learning environments where all students are safe, valued, and loved,” a portion of the statement read.
Marlena Pavlos Hackney, a Holland restaurant owner who has opposed mask mandates and other rules aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19 is the person who spoke at the meeting. She said the district needs to eliminate the mask mandate for all, and allow those who wish to wear masks to do so. In a Facebook post, she said she’d been approached by a ZPS student who asked for her help.
At Monday’s meeting, Pavlos Hackney said she’d spoken to Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker, asking him to support her in this effort, but that he declined. Kempker told WHTC Friday she did not contact him, and he is not aware of anyone she’s spoken to at the Sheriff’s Office related to this issue.
During the meeting, Pavlos Hackney said if Kempker would not send deputies to opposed the mask mandate, she would sue the district and invite the Michigan Militia to show up at the schools.
Kempker said Friday that people have a First Amendment right of free speech, whether during public meetings or in emails or letters to public officials to make their thoughts and opinions known. He said even at the county level, when some speaking during public comment have been very passionate, all have remained civil.
The school district sent the following message to parents, after Monday’s meeting:
“Zeeland Public Schools values civility and mutual respect, even in the midst of division and conflict. We encourage our community members to continue to be mindful of the importance of respectfully raising opinions and considerately listening to alternative perspectives. ZPS is grateful for the investment and involvement of the Zeeland Public Schools Board of Education and their persistence in modeling this civility in their conduct at every board meeting.
Zeeland Public Schools held its regular monthly school board meeting on October 18, 2021. During the public comment portion of the meeting, a person made a public comment indicating that she would bring in the Michigan Militia to protect the rights of students.
Zeeland Public Schools supports the right to free speech and the individual rights of everyone to engage in a civil and constructive manner because it is the right thing to do in our society and it is the right example to set for our children. However, Zeeland Public Schools takes statements such as the one given by the individual this past Monday evening very seriously because they have the potential to disturb efforts the district is striving to make in order to sustain learning environments where all students are safe, valued, and loved.
Local law enforcement remains actively engaged in the ZPS community, patrolling campuses, building relationships with students, and observing at board meetings. Zeeland Public Schools will continue to take adequate steps to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families. With family and community, we remain committed to preparing students for a lifetime of learning.”
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