WALDOBORO—Medomak Valley High School and Middle School students walked out Feb. 14 to raise awareness on sexual assault. Prior to that, a news article stated the former principal of MVHS, who is in the midst of a lawsuit, denied allegations he sexually harassed a former student.

At 11:55 a.m., about 50 students walked out; an email from MVHS Principal Linda Pease and MMS Principal Kate Race went out to the community later that day acknowledging the walkout.

Feb. 15, students from both schools planned another walkout, again at 11:55 a.m. Nearly 50 students from both schools attended that protest. MMS Principal Kate Race told parents in an email: “Our number one goal is to keep students safe. During this hour outside, the students were supervised by many adults from both MMS and MVHS. Walkouts are considered unexcused absences ...”

Regional School Unit 40 Superintendent of Schools Steve Nolan told Penobscot Bay Pilot:

“Medomak Valley High School and Medomak Middle School students participated in walkouts on Monday and Tuesday to raise awareness about sexual assault. Please know that we have policies in place to address harassment and sexual harassment of students and staff (and) we follow Maine's compulsory attendance law for excusable absences and student absences related to the walkout are unexcused. Parents who have questions or concerns about their child should contact the principal at their school ...”

He sent the following email to families and staff after both events:

“I am writing to make you aware that over the past two days MMS and MVHS students engaged in a walkout to support victims of sexual assault. I want you to know RSU 40 takes any report of sexual assault very seriously. We have a rigorous investigation process to ensure the school’s response is prompt, appropriate, and fair. Student safety is always our first priority.

“We are fortunate to have students who want to bring awareness to this serious topic. It’s important to understand, however, that we cannot share any details regarding a report due to privacy laws. In talking with both Linda and Kate, we invite students to participate in thoughtful and appropriate conversations on this topic. Each principal will arrange a time that works in their building to hold this forum. Students who prefer to meet individually to process their thoughts should reach out to Linda, Kate, or their school counselor.

“For safety reasons, starting tomorrow, students who participate in a walk-out will be disciplined according to district policy. As time progresses, we will analyze whether we need to plan and facilitate larger conversations on this topic. As always, we welcome your feedback on how best to keep families and the community involved in these important conversations."

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com