To: Westminster Head of Schools

CC: Westminster School Board of Trustees

From: Parents and Supporters of Westminster School

Re: Request for Revised and Proportionate Discipline for S***e C********a

We, the undersigned parents and members of the Westminster community, respectfully request reconsideration of the decision to permanently expel S***e C********a, an eighth-grade student who has been part of Westminster since Pre-K.

S***e is widely known as a kind, respectful, and responsible young man. Teachers and coaches consistently describe him as joyful, cooperative, thoughtful and well-mannered.

The Incident

Accounts from multiple witnesses at last week’s basketball game indicate that S***e was struck first and reacted instinctively in self-defense. When another student attempted to charge him, he again responded while under immediate physical threat. Although the situation was serious and regrettable, the context shows S***e’s actions were defensive rather than aggressive.

We fully support Westminster’s commitment to student safety and strong leadership. These values can coexist with recognizing a student’s right to protect himself when physically attacked. While injuries occurred, they resulted from a frightening and chaotic moment—not from any intent by S***e to cause harm.

Why Permanent Expulsion Is Disproportionate

Given the circumstances, permanent expulsion is excessively severe. It would:

• Remove a student who has been part of this community for more than a decade,
• Prevent him from graduating with his class, and
• Create significant barriers to future enrollment.

This outcome conflicts with Westminster’s commitment to helping students “grow, learn, make mistakes, recover,” supported by a community that stands with them through challenges.

A Constructive Alternative

With the full context now clearer, we respectfully propose a disciplinary response that upholds accountability while remaining fair and proportionate:

• Suspension for the remainder of the semester,
• No athletic participation for the rest of the school year, and
• Full academic reinstatement to complete 8th grade and graduate with his class.

This approach maintains school standards while acknowledging both the circumstances and S***e’s right to self-defense.

Our Request

We ask the administration to reconsider the expulsion in light of the broader context and in keeping with Westminster’s values. Doing so would uphold safety, fairness, and the school’s long tradition of supporting students’ growth rather than defining them by a single moment.

Thank you for your thoughtful attention and continued leadership.

Respectfully,

Parents and Supporters of Westminster School