Students, parents, and supporters are respectfully petitioning to the school administration of Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts to reconsider the placement of Mega Evans as an AP Language and Composition instructor for future classes.

Many students who have taken Literature and Composition I and II under this instructor believe they were NOT adequately prepared, taught, and/or equipped enough with this instructor, and believe the skills necessary for success in AP Language and Composition coursework would NOT work best with this instructor. 

Students have expressed concerns that they did not receive the level of instruction, academic rigor, or preparation expected for Literature and Composition I, as-well as Literature and Composition II.

This petition is NOT intended to harass, threaten, or defame any individual. Rather, it is a formal expression of student and parent concerns regarding academic preparedness and instructional effectiveness.

Students have the constitutional right to peacefully express opinions and advocate for changes within their educational environment. The United States Supreme Court recognized student free speech protections in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969), stating that students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.” Additionally, Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. (2021) affirmed protections for certain forms of off-campus student expression.

By signing this petition, students and supporters respectfully request that school administration review these concerns and consider assigning a different instructor for AP Language and Composition courses in the future.