A Tuesday morning protest at Minford Middle School has been canceled after the school asked protestors not to show up. The school issued a statement saying the Minford Board of Education does not permit outside groups or individuals to come onto school property without prior approval and that any activity must be in accordance with board policy. According to the statement, “This includes demonstrations, distribution of flyers, campaigning, and commercial advertising.”
Organizers had planned the protest to coincide with teacher and coach Lori Rolfe’s appearance in Portsmouth Municipal Court on assault charges stemming from an incident with a student during a volleyball game.
However, we’re told the issues with teachers bullying students extend far beyond a single incident. One organizer told us that harassment initiated by Mrs. Rolfe drove her daughter to a suicide attempt.
Organizers tell us they are looking at alternative ways to get their message across.