In response to the acquittal of former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley on first-degree murder charges filed after the shooting death of Anthony Lamar Smith in 2011, some Lafayette students have planned a week of events to draw attention to the issues being raised by demonstrators in and around the St. Louis area.

Since there have been demonstrations in St. Louis and in other areas, several LHS students also wanted to make their feelings known on the verdict. The Image learned of the plans via social media over the weekend.  

Treasure Smith, junior, is one of the organizers of the events they are labeling “Protest Week”.

“I saw some other schools having protest weeks, but the difference was that their schools were in the city. So I thought ‘what would happen if I attempted to do one at LHS? Would it work? Would I be ignored?’” Smith said.

As a Black Student Union (BSU) member, Smith stresses the importance of holding the protest week, even if the events do not have the desired effect.

“Showing we care will hopefully impact a lot of people at LHS. If not, at least we tried to do something right,” Smith said.

Junior Shay Campbell, also a BSU member, chose to help plan the week.

“I need to do my part in trying to find a solution and to help others move forward,” Campbell said. “People need to see that this injustice will not be tolerated anymore. It’s okay to speak up. It’s okay to want change.”

Campbell hopes the week of events will shed light on an issue that is very important in St. Louis, and that the acquittal is not ignored in the LHS community.

As for the consequences that could arise as a result of organizing the week, both of the girls are not worried.

“I don’t really care about the consequences that may occur because I am doing this for all the right reasons. The point of the protests is not to start drama or create disaster, it’s simply to create a voice for the students at our school,” Campbell said.

Rockwood Superintendent Eric Knost posted a statement on the Rockwood website in response to the verdict.  

“This is an emotional time for many, and we know these events do have an impact on our young people,” Knost said. “Kids need to know they matter, and they need to know their champions are there for them through everything life sends our way.”

The girls believe the activities will be a positive experience for many of the African American students at LHS. Smith and Campbell wish to make their voices heard in the most peaceful manner possible.

“I do not believe in harmful protesting. My protest week is very peaceful. I just wanted to get the word out to state that we do matter,” Smith said.

The events the girls have planned are as follows:

• Monday: Black Out
• Tuesday: Open Discussion
• Wednesday: No Talking (unless you have to)
• Thursday: Posters made at BSU Meeting
• Friday: Walkout at 2:50 pm