On Thursday, Sept. 14, a crowd of approximately 150 Timberline students stood across the street from their own school during fourth period. Their cause? Protesting the temporary suspension of math teacher and AAPI* club leader Laura Boulton, who was placed on paid administrative leave just one week before the organized walk out.
While the reasoning behind her suspension is still unknown, a message sent out early Thursday to all Boise School District Staff and Parent/Guardians cited that an investigation is pending in accordance with Board Policy 5210 – Administrative Leave. This policy acknowledges that when there exists reason to believe that a Boise School District employee has violated any rule or regulation of the State Board of Education, engaged in conduct which could violate the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators, violated a District policy, or created an immediate or imminent threat to the safety or well-being of a student, self or other District employee, they will be placed on administrative leave. The Boise School District (BSD) also stressed that under Idaho Code 74-106 they are unable to release further information regarding individual personnel matters, and thus exact reasoning for the suspension cannot be given.
A crowd of Timberline students faces the clock tower during the Thursday walk-out.l personnel matters, and thus exact reasoning for the suspension cannot be given.
Still, a large group of students gathered on Boise Ave around 10:45 a.m., bobbing with homemade cardboard signs inked in messages like “Bring Back Boulton” and “My voice matters”. Frustrated at the lack of explanation behind the suspension along with conflicting narratives surrounding the situation, students huddled along the sidewalk chanting variations of the same cheer: bring back Boulton. Students could be seen hugging and high-fiving each other, but also focused on the purpose of uniting behind transparency.
But determination was not the only thing that became apparent within this crowd. Instead, it was a genuine concern for Boulton that fueled these students and their fight. When asked about why she chose to participate in the walkout, Stephanie Liu, a senior at Timberline, stressed the teacher’s true value to our school. “I’m here today just because Boulton is one of the best teachers that anyone will ever have. She is a great role model, and a great person in general to be around… And us, as students… we deserve her at this school,” said Liu.
Another senior, choosing to remain anonymous, explained how critical Boulton’s impact has been: “Boulton was there for me in 10th grade when I was having a really rough time with school and with my whole family situation. She was always supportive of me, and she always cheered me on, and she’s always been there for all of her students,” they said.
The environment was truly elevated, however, when Boulton actually showed up to the event, calling out to students via a megaphone from the other side of the street. Although she declined to speak with student reporters and refused to speak individually with students, citing her lawyer’s advice, Boulton’s voice boomed across Boise Ave. As she spoke to the crowd, she reminded students to stay on the sidewalk and to continue to show the utmost respect and appreciation for all of the staff at Timberline regardless of the events of the day. But as the event winded down, one resounding point echoed from the megaphone: “Do not fight for me. Win for me!” said Boulton.
Although it may not be clear yet what exactly the future holds for Boulton, the actions at the protest pointedly demonstrated students’ frustration about the situation. That being said, Timberline administration and BSD are still not at liberty to reveal the cause for the suspension, and are at this moment in time unable to ease current tensions. Although the Timberline administration could not say much in accordance with the legalities of the situation, Principal Diana Molino emphasized the love within Timberline. “Timberline teachers will always do the best they can to teach and advocate for their students,” said Molino.
At the end of the day, we all want what’s best for our school community, and that involves the respect and grace of each member. No matter what side you might find yourself on, it’s important for Timberline to stand together during this difficult time.
*AAPI: Asian American Pacific Islander
