Parents raise concerns about response to student fight in Sunnyside

Yakima Herald-Republic - 2/15/2024

Feb. 15—A group of about 20 parents, kids and other community members stood outside Sunnyside School District's building on Sixth Street on Tuesday, chanting and holding signs that called for changes.

Protesters' signs included calls for better communication, transparency and mental health support for students. Parents were concerned about student safety and fair treatment after a fight involving seven or eight high school students.

Sunnyside School District officials confirmed a fight involving several high school students took place Jan. 26.

"An investigation was conducted by school administrators, and discipline in line with district policy was issued," said Sunnyside Communications Manager Jessica Morgan. "Beyond that, we will not comment due to student privacy laws."

Sandra Benitez and Raquel Lopez, parents of two of the students who were involved, said they wanted the school to better protect all students and communicate with all parents.

Sandra Zesati, who helped organize the protest, called for a fair enforcement of school policies.

The protest was supported by Empower Latina Leadership and Action (ELLA) and the Lower Yakima Valley Latinx Coalition. Maria Fernandez, ELLA's executive director, said the organization had heard similar concerns from Sunnyside parents for the past several years and wanted to support parents.

Morgan said Sunnyside Schools are open to listening to the protesters.

"We appreciate the heart our community has for supporting and wanting the best for our students and their families," Morgan said. "At this time we have not heard directly from the organizers of the rally, but hope they will soon provide us with the opportunity to work together to address their specific questions or concerns."

Jasper Kenzo Sundeen's reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com.

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