Georgia Student Doesn't Regret Posting Photo Of Crowded Halls That Got Her Suspended

A Georgia student who was suspended for posting a photo of a crowded high school on social media doesn’t regret her actions.

Hannah Watters, who attends North Paulding High School in Dallas, Georgia, snapped a picture of students crammed together in the hallway with few masks in sight.

“I was concerned for the safety of everyone in that building and everyone in the county because precautions that the CDC and guidelines that the CDC has been telling us for months now, weren't being followed,” Watters told CNN.

Watters followed the lead of another North Paulding High School student who shared a similar photo. Both pictures went viral, and both students say they were suspended. They violated the school’s policy on filming students and posting it on social media.

“I'd like to say this is some good and necessary trouble,” Watters said, quoting late civil rights leader John Lewis. “My biggest concern is not only about me being safe, it's about everyone being safe because behind every teacher, student and staff member there is a family, there are friends, and I would just want to keep everyone safe.”

Watters told CNN that students are usually walking in the hallways for about five minutes in between classes. The 15-year-old has been suspended for five days.

According to Superintendent Brian Otott, the photo was taken out of context.

“Students are in this hallway environment for just a brief period as they move to their next class,” Otott said in a letter to parents, noting the school is working on ways to limit students from congregating. “There is no question that the photo does not look good. ... Wearing a mask is a personal choice, and there is no practical way to enforce a mandate to wear them.

Many students across the country will be limited to remote learning this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic.