Students continue efforts to reelect French teacher Timothy Hirsh

By Kathryn Cross
Staff Writer

Following the Manhattan Beach Unified School District’s decision to non-reelect French teacher Timothy Hirsh, Costa students have rallied together to the campaign “Save Hirsh”, which has accumulated over 400 members since its creation on Feb. 27.

“Save Hirsh” rallied on March 24  during lunch with signs stating “Save Hirsh!” and “Do the right thing!”on Artesia Boulevard outside of the Costa administration building. 35 members of the “Save Hirsh” campaign were in attendance at the rally.

“Despite our size in numbers and the fact that we are students under the administration, I think our overall campaign and the rally was a huge success,” freshman Alyssa Castronuovo said.  “I am extremely proud of all of the people who have been brave enough to let their voices be heard.”

According to freshman “Save Hirsh” member Emma Davidov, the rally was originally planned for March 21, but the date was changed to March 24 to ensure there could be more student participation since it was a weekday.

“Our goal was to let other students participate in our effort to save Hirsh’s job,” Castronuovo said.  “It is imperative our community and fellow students are able to voice their opinion.”

Additionally, the date was changed to ensure that the Western Association of Schools and Colleges would see the rally and the “Save Hirsh” campaign, as it was visiting Costa because March 24 was the second of two days that WASC was evaluating Costa for accreditation.

“We had to get the word out and let everyone know what ia going on,” Davidov said.  “It was important to us that we raise awareness while still being respectful and I think we accomplished this.”

Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale asked Manhattan Beach Police Department Sergeant Chris Vargas and five other MBPD officers to manage student safety on the day of the rally.

“I respect the student’s right to peaceful assembly as long as it does not impair the instructional program or incite rest,” Dale said. “But, we tried to keep the kids safe because we were mostly concerned with student safety.”

According to Castronuovo, some kids who were going to come to the rally saw the police presence and decided not to be a part of the rally.  Nonetheless, the rally continued.

“The police presence was intimidating, but we had some power during the rally,” Davidov said.

Castronuovo said that “Save Hirsh” does not have a specific event planned yet, but the campaign wants to allow other community members’ voices to be heard, rather than just Costa students alone.