A Gwinnett County high school is working with law enforcement to ensure the safety of students planning to attend its prom at Stone Mountain Park because it’s scheduled the same date as a rally by a self-proclaimed “pro-white” group and counter demonstrations.
Peachtree Ridge High School has scheduled its prom on Saturday, April 23 at the Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Resort in Stone Mountain Park. A “pro-white” group, Rock Stone Mountain, has planned a rally at the park the same day. A Confederate Heritage group has also scheduled a rally to protest Rock Stone Mountain.
Additionally, the “All Out Atlanta” coalition group is organizing a protest.
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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