High school sit-in leads to suspensions

SKOWHEGAN – A wave of suspensions has been reported at Skowhegan Area High School after a sit-in linked to allegations of harassment by some students against others.

According to the Morning Sentinel newspaper of central Maine, Principal Richard Wilson said the three-day suspensions stemmed from insubordination.

He said Friday he did not know the exact number of suspended students because he was still in the process of talking to some of them, the newspaper reported.

“Some kids chose to go back to class, and some kids dug their heels in, and we’ve had to deal with them more strictly,” Wilson said. “It’s all about the insubordination.”

Wilson said claims of threatened violence were part of “the rumor mill” and that student safety has not been an issue.

“No one saw anything,” Wilson said. “We’ve found nothing other than talk. My only concern is the rumor piece.”

Acting Police Chief Rick Bonneau said he had received no complaints from students or their parents, according to the newspaper.

The Sentinel said the student demonstration was held Thursday.