SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KRON) -- More than 200 Piner students walked out of class Friday protesting a Piner High School football team captain after he posted “Free the Cornell 7” on Instagram.
On Monday afternoon at the Piner middle and high school pickup lines, parents are condemning the high schooler, a football team captain, who they say made light of sexual violence when he posted an Instagram status that said -- “Free the Cornell 7!” on Oct. 2.
"I want my daughters to keep safe. That’s all I want," said a Piner Middle School Parent.
"I'm happy that they take action," said another Piner Middle School parent. "Just because I don't want it to happen here at some schools, that would be terrible.”
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(KRON4 Photo)
Quickly prompting backlash from students who walked over 2 miles to school headquarters in protest.
"For children who look up to him and see him as somebody to emulate. You need to represent yourself in a way that holds yourself up to a standard. I'm happy that some disciplinary action was taken. Hopefully, it's something that he learns from to make better choices in the future and maybe to have a little bit more empathy," said Piner Middle School Parent, Arieta-Andreia Mulligan.
Santa Rosa schools' public information officer, Patrick Gannon, says after a week of investigation, the school reprimanded the student.
Since he is a minor, the specific punishment wasn’t revealed.
"Action was taken by the school and the district, and we're continuing to have conversation. We don't tolerate making light of sexual assault. That's why we have a zero-tolerance policy," said Santa Rosa City school's public information officer, Patrick Gannon.
Gannon says they met with students at the walkout Friday and wants them to know that accountability and safety are top priorities.
"We understand the frustration," said Gannon. "I think that nationally there is a theme where there's a lack of accountability. We want students to know that we stand with them."
