Santa Ana School Closing to Avoid Antiwar Rally

Citing concerns for student safety and warning of the potential for violence at an antiwar rally near the school, administrators at Mater Dei High in Santa Ana canceled today’s classes.

School officials were unaware that student Luis Sarmiento was one of the organizers of the rally planned for 2 p.m. at Bristol Street and Edinger Avenue outside the campus.

The junior said that, at most, he expected 100 people to attend and was taken aback by Mater Dei’s reaction.

Luis, 17, of Santa Ana said he believes that, as a Catholic school, Mater Dei has a duty to uphold a moral standard and speak out in support of Pope John Paul II, who is opposed to the war in Iraq.

“Mater Dei is closing its doors to any sort of reality and critical political opinion,” Luis said.

“Basically, I think it’s ridiculous that they’re shielding students from experiencing and learning about issues.”

Mater Dei President Patrick Murphy said school officials decided to cancel classes because the Police Department told them the demonstration could turn violent. Santa Ana police denied recommending a shutdown.

Murphy said that because many of the school’s 2,200 students use a parking lot across the street from campus, they would have to weave through the protesters to reach their cars.

“We took the proactive step for the safety and security of our students and our faculty,” he said.

“We did not want them caught up in the middle of this.”

Police did advise Mater Dei officials to let students out early, said Santa Ana Police Sgt. Baltazar De La Riva.Luis hopes another demonstration can be scheduled for the same spot.

“Mater Dei can only cancel so many days,” he said.