Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05) was back in her home district Friday visiting students at elementary and middle schools throughout the area, but parents and press were allegedly not allowed to attend.
On Thursday evening, ahead of Omar’s visit to St. Anthony Middle School in Minneapolis, conservative activist Alley Waterbury altered her followers on Facebook to a protest that would be occurring.
“We must protect our children,” Waterbury said. “The school is asking for permission for their children to attend this event, but the parents are not allowed to attend themselves. This is a problem and no cameras.”
“Lecturing our kids behind closed doors with no parents is a no go,” she later added.
Waterbury and her fellow protesters contacted the school to express their concerns after Waterbury’s initial alert quickly spread on social media.
“Thank you for your feedback. Congresswoman Omar serves as the U.S. Representative for the 5th Congressional District, which includes St. Anthony. We understand some members of our community did not vote for Congresswoman Omar. When our local, elected representatives reach out to learn about our schools and school district, we always open our doors,” Principal Amy Kujawski wrote to Waterbury in response. “Congresswoman Omar’s visit will give us a chance to model civic discourse and engagement, yet we strive to offer this opportunity in a way that meets the needs of all families.”
The Minnesota Sun reached out to the school and Principal Kujawski for additional information, but calls and emails went unanswered.
Omar posted about her visits on Twitter Friday afternoon and thanked St. Anthony Middle School for inviting her to “speak with the Principal’s Advisory Council and over 230+ middle school students.”
“Education is the greatest equalizer. That is why I am committed to education equity and protecting resources all students need to succeed,” she wrote.
Thank you St. Anthony Middle School for inviting me to speak with the Prinicpal’s Advisory Council and over 230+ middle school students!
Education is the greatest equalizer. That is why I am committed to education equity and protecting resources all students need to succeed. pic.twitter.com/eHCacuFrZz
— Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) April 26, 2019
Earlier in the day, Omar spoke to a group of students at Anne Sullivan Community School.
“One of the best parts of my job. It’s so rewarding to be back in-district visiting with dedicated staff and curious students,” Omar wrote on Twitter. “Thank you Anne Sullivan Community School for the warm welcome.”
One of the best parts of my job! It’s so rewarding to be back in-district visiting with dedicated staff and curious students. Thank you Anne Sullivan Community School for the warm welcome! pic.twitter.com/eNzsLjctfL
— Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) April 26, 2019
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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of Battleground State News, The Ohio Star, and The Minnesota Sun. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Ilhan Omar talking to Middle Schoolers” by Ilhan Omar.
