DEARBORN HEIGHTS — Students at Annapolis High School in Dearborn Heights staged a walkout Tuesday morning, May 9 in support of their principal, who was recently suspended. 

Principal Aaron Mollett was placed on administrative leave after a student’s death, according to the district. 

7 Actions News reported that parents were never even officially informed of his suspension, but had noticed that his email had been deactivated. 

In protest of Principal Mollett’s suspension, students at Annapolis High School walked out of class Tuesday morning, May 9. Students were seen chanting in support of Mollett, even holding signs urging the district to reinstate him and his position at the school.  

Many signs read “bring back our principal.”

The walkout was initiated following the creation of a Facebook group by parents in the district titled “Protecting our Principal”, according to The Detroit News. The group aimed to unite the parents, students and community members to support Mollett. 

The superintendent of Dearborn Heights School District #7, Tyrone Weeks, has confirmed that Mollett is on leave, but provided no further comment. 

Weeks’ statement:

“Due to the privacy of personnel matters the district is not at liberty to share information regarding Mr. Mollett at this time. What we are able to share is that Mr. Mollett has been placed on paid administrative leave while the district conducts its investigation.” 

An estimated 100 students, parents and members of the community gathered together to walk out and showcase their solidarity with Mollett. Along with signs displaying their support, individuals also chanted “We want Mollett.”

Tiffany Perez, a parent in the district and a PTO member, played a hand in starting the Facebook Page, according to The Detroit News. She also shared that Mollett had a positive impact on student’s lives. 

“He’s guided and protected a lot of these kids and they’ve seen him for years,” Perez said in a Detroit News report. 

Not only did students who attend Annapolis High School attend the walkout, but students across the district also rallied together to express their support for Mollett.

The Arab American News reached out to speak with someone in the D7 district, but they declined comment.