A Gwinnett County high school is working with law enforcement to ensure the safety of students holding a prom at Stone Mountain Park because the date coincides with a rally by a self-proclaimed "pro-white" group and counter demonstrations.
Peachtree Ridge High School has scheduled its prom Saturday, April 23, at the Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Resort in the park. A “pro-white” group, Rock Stone Mountain, has planned a rally at the park the same day. A Confederate Heritage group and the “All Out Atlanta” coalition are organizing rallies to protest Rock Stone Mountain.
Peachtree Ridge High School principal Jeff Mathews sent an email to parents late Wednesday alerting them about the issue.
“As always, the safety of our students is our primary focus and we do not anticipate any issues, as the two events do not overlap in time or location,” Mathews wrote. “Please know that we are working closely with local law enforcement and Stone Mountain Park officials to ensure the safety and security of our students during this special school event.”
The Rock Stone Mountain rally is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. The prom is scheduled from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
A Stone Mountain Park police spokesman told Channel 2 Action News that they plan to bring in extra security to keep the demonstrators away from each other.
Several groups have had rallies at the park in recent months after officials announced plans last year to create a monument to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
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