School officials, students stand firm after lawmaker’s claims about ICE protest

By Amanda Barber

Controversial online statements from Del. Kathie Hess Crouse (R-Putnam) regarding a student protest at the West Virginia State Capitol are being disputed by school officials and youth political organizations.

The protest, organized by Capital High School (CHS) students opposed to actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), took place on Wednesday. Afterward, Hess Crouse posted on Facebook that she was “beyond mad at what happened.” 

In the post, the delegate claims that CHS students were “brought” to the Capitol during the school day to protest while the House of Delegates was in session, “trying to do the work of the people of West Virginia.” She also wrote that “a male teacher who was with the group told a delegate directly that the students would all be receiving extra credit for being there.” 

Hess Crouse’s post then questions whether parents were notified their children would be leaving school for a political protest, whether taxpayer dollars were used to transport them, and whether “teachers were paid to supervise a political demonstration instead of teaching.” 

Hess Crouse further claims that “taxpayer-funded time and resources may have been used for a political protest inside the Capitol,” calling the situation “completely inappropriate.” She concludes her post by saying that students should be “in classrooms learning,” not to be “taken on field trips to participate in political activism” or “used as props in political demonstrations.” 

School officials: Online claims are inaccurate 

Officials from both CHS and Kanawha County Schools (KCS) issued online statements that the student-led protest was not a school-sanctioned event, adding that no staff members were present. KCS further notes that students were not offered extra credit for attending the protest. 

KCS also says it did not provide buses to the State Capitol, and that students were signed out of school by a parent or guardian. 

“What is most important in moments like this is that accurate information is shared and that students are not misrepresented for exercising their rights,” KCS says on Facebook. “We appreciate our school community taking a moment to review the facts.”

Youth organizations stand up

The West Virginia Young Democrats and the CHS Young Democrats also say Hess Crouse’s post contains misinformation. They echo statements from school officials that the event was student-organized, staff members did not attend, students obtained their own transportation, and no extra credit was offered for participation.

“It is deeply concerning to us … that a current member of the West Virginia Legislature would make up lies about high school students and spread misinformation about the school that we call home,” CHS Young Dems says. 

Both organizations further note that legislative time was not disrupted during the protest. 

“We have spoken to delegates and have been told that no disruption happened within the chambers during our protest,” CHS Young Dems writes on Facebook. 

According to CHS Young Dems, students who participated will receive an unexcused absence and will make up the schoolwork they missed. The organization clarifies that students who did not follow the proper sign-out procedures will face certain consequences, which are rules that were explained prior to the protest. 

WV Young Dems says it continues to stand with students who peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights and participate in democracy. CHS Young Dems says students will continue to exercise their rights to protest government actions they disagree with. 

“We will NOT be deterred by any person in power attempting to childishly spread rumors about the work that we do,” CHS Young Dems states. 

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) responds

The ACLU of West Virginia also weighed in, standing in solidarity with the students who protested. The organization says it is “closely watching public officials who want [the students] punished for exercising their free speech.” 

“Come for these kids and we’ll make sure they see you in court,” the group writes in a statement.

Community reaction

The majority of comments under Hess Crouse’s post push back on the delegate’s claims and voice support for the students. Parents, CHS alumni, and other community members say they are proud of the students for exercising their constitutional rights. Many commenters, even some who note they support Hess Crouse on other political issues, say the delegate owes the school and its students an apology. 

Hess Crouse later edits Facebook post

As of Friday afternoon, Hess Crouse, who describes herself on Facebook as a “Liberty Minded Republican,” has not publicly apologized for her statements. She only added an update to her original post, referencing a response from the principal of CHS. 

“Update: Capital High Principal Jon Anderson has responded,” the edited post reads, followed by a statement she attributes to Mr. Anderson: “‘This was not a school sanctioned activity. No buses were taken. No extra credit was given. Some students signed out and attended the rally as they were signed out by parents. Capital High in no way was involved in the protest.’”

The original statements from Hess Crouse remain visible in the post beneath the update. Black By God will continue to monitor the delegate’s Facebook page and will update this article if she issues an apology.