Activism kenowa bikers

Published on May 23rd, 2012 | by Lynn Fang

9

64 Kenowa Hills High School Students Suspended for Riding Bikes to School

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With rising oil prices, global warming, rising obesity, and lack of exercise among Americans, it would seem harmlessly riding bikes to school would be celebrated, perhaps even promoted as a new normal. On the second-to-last day of school, seniors rode their bikes to school under police escort, rendering complaints of illegal road traffic moot. It was supposed to be a fun twist on the typical things students do for senior prank day. Even the Mayor joined them, handing out free donuts. Unfortunately, the principal of Kenowa Hills High School in Walker, Michigan, thought differently.

In a page from the book of absurdity, 64 students from Kenowa Hills High School were suspended for riding bikes to school.

Since When Does Biking Equal Suspension?

Principal Katie Pennington was upset  she had not received warning for the event. She reprimanded 64 students with suspension banning them from the traditional senior walk, an event celebrating and commemorating their time in high school. Pennington said, “I am glad they made it here safely. It was a safety risk.” She claimed the bikers had caused a major traffic problem and disrupted school. Police escorts reported no traffic problems.

Missed Opportunity for Biking Support

With the collaborative support of both the police department and city mayor, it seems this incident presents the absurdity of  suspension as a penalty for biking to school. While the event could have slowed down traffic a bit, it was also a great opportunity to showcase the personal health and environmental benefits of riding a bike. And, as Treehugger notes, it could have inaugurated great tradition, and not sour an end to one’s high school career.

Join in Supporting Kenowa Hills High School Students

The entire incident has caused an uproar within the Walker community, also spurring controversy online. I join others in the online green and cycling communities asking Principal Katie Pennington to repeal her decision and apologize to the students in honor of their very tame, community and health-friendly event. Would she prefer seniors hang their bras all over campus, as we did for our senior prank? Or perhaps even worse – exploding fireworks or toilet papering (T-Ping) campus? In any case, there are much worse senior pranks that could have occurred. Biking is probably one of the best ideas to have surfaced.

Would you like to contact Principal Pennington and offer support for the 64 suspended students? Visit the Kenowa Hills High School website for contact information.

[Image used with permission from mlive]

***UPDATE***

Both the Superintendent and Principal have since apologized.

What do you think? Did the principal overreact? What do you think of these eco-minded students? 



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About the Author

Lynn Fang is an eco-conscious writer, thinker, and Conscious Business Coach. She writes about sustainable living, social change, and personal growth at her blog, Upcycled Love. Follow her on Twitter or Google+.


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  • Jack Krug

    PRANK – noun
    a trick of an amusing, playful, or sometimes malicious nature.
    The principal wanted advance notice? Of a PRANK? It’s not a prank if you know it’s coming.
    These students exercised mature due diligence by informing the mayor and the police of their intentions. As a prank, they scored high marks for an amusing, playful and even mildly malicious result. A savvy administration would have recognized the prank, even wagged a reproachful finger, but then picked up the ball and ran with it to start a new tradition. LIGHTEN UP, Kenowa Hills!

    • http://upcycledlove.com Lynn Fang

      You are right in your definition of prank! Seriously, Kenowa Hills Administration, Lighten up! Thanks for your comment.

  • http://www.BigIslandDog.com Jt Clough | Big Island Dog

    I’m horrified. I simply cannot believe that these kids could be reprimanded for doing something that actually sets a green beautiful precedent. Unbelievable. And under police escort as well.
    The only one needing a reprimand here is the principal. Come on, there are really bad ugly things going on out there. Riding bikes is not one of them.

    • http://upcycledlove.com Lynn Fang

      I know! It is totally ridiculous. The principal was incredibly short-sighted here.

  • Debra Speakes
    • http://importantmedia.org/members/nelsonmelle/ Vivian Nelson Melle

      Thanks Debra, we just offered an update. ;)

    • http://upcycledlove.com Lynn Fang

      Thanks, Debra!

  • vicky

    This principal is very young, and, unfortunately is not able to think outside the box. Fortunately these students are, and will likely accomplish more than she will. Good going kids! Keep up the good work!

  • Jon

    Now that is a good apology. She took the blame and said she was wrong. Most apologies shift the blame to the offended parties as in ” I’m sorry if what I said offended anyone.” In other words, what I said was not wrong, it is your problem if you were offended.

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