Grants Pass students protest outside of school district building, county courthouse

Grants Pass students protest outside of school district building, county courthouse

Following an email from the Grants Pass High School athletic director, a large group of student-athletes and parents gathered to protest sports delays and school closings due to the pandemic.

Building today.

Newswatch 12's josh shelton has more on a possible ban of fans at games.

Grants pass high school student athletes and parents alike are worried that when the sports seasons kickoff this spring, these gates won't be open to spectators after an email coming out from the grants pass high school athletic director.

In the email, it reads, "current state guidance doesn't allow for us to have visitors in our schools, therefore grants pass school district 7 has taken the same stance for athletics and other activities."

The email doesn't clarify if the spectator ban would extend to the planned sports seasons starting december 28th.

Grants pass school district did say they'll reevaluate spectators closer to the late december date, but students are ready to be heard now.

Elle beth isabell says, "we're going to make a difference and we're going to start a movement that's going to push all the way up to salem and get kate brown's attention that we want school back and we want sports because it matters to us."

Their message garnering support of local officials.

Roy lindsay says, "these kids are learning the freedom to protest, the freedom to express their opinions i love it, i think it's great.

But i also support what they're trying to say."

Students told newswatch 12 today they deserve to play in front of at least a crowd of their families.

Sports seasons in oregon are delayed due to the pandemic, while some high school sports seasons in states like texas carry on.

This video from lampasas high school shows a full crowd.

They played their first three games in front of nearly full bleachers.

Although, lampasas football was shut down for nearly a month because of a coronavirus outbreak on the team.

Local high school football teams have been playing each other in a seven on seven passing league; one taking place on thursday night here where spectators reportedly were watching this game from just behind this fence line.

But they're hopeful when the fall sports season