Lake County Gazette

Deer Path Middle School Principal Thomas Herion has called a "Day of Silence" today for the school’s "LGBTQ+ and other students who have been silenced by bullying or exclusion" and used the school’s email system to promote an associated protest.

The day of silence is occurring throughout the day today. As a show of support, students are given the option to take, or not take, a card to place on their desk. Students who take a card are allowed to remain silent in a show of support for those communities.  

"As you may know, on Thursday, April 21, the PM Alliance Club will offer a voluntary Day of Silence as an expression of support for LGBTQ+ and other students who have been silenced by bullying or exclusion," Deer Path Middle School Principal Thomas Herion said Wednesday in a message to parents.  

"We are sharing the following information in response to questions received:

"•Please note that there is no curriculum change for PM students on Thursday. All students will be able to access the day’s lesson with or without the ability to verbally communicate.

"•Those students who choose to participate may pick up a Day of Silence card in the main office on Thursday morning before school begins. They should place that card on their desk in each class to indicate they are taking part.

"•Whether students participate or not is a personal and family decision. In all cases, we need to respect each other's choices and treat each other with kindness."

Herion also used the school’s messaging system to inform of an associated protest in support of those communities. The message went to the parents of the school’s nearly 400 students and 70 employees.

"We have received reports that there may be a demonstration at the corner of Deer Path and Hastings from 9:00-10:00 a.m. regarding the Day of Silence," Herion wrote in an email that was co-signed by Associate Principal Megan Eigenrauch and Associate Principal Sam Paulsen. "We are working closely with the Lake Forest Police Department to ensure that participants have the ability to exercise their First Amendment rights while adhering to local ordinances. Protesters will not be permitted on school grounds or be permitted to engage with PM students or staff."

Herion is leaving the school July 1.

“As we wish DPM Principal Tom Herion the best in his new venture beginning July 1, we are excited to announce the recommendation for new principals, Megan Eigenrauch and Sam Paulsen, pending board approval!” Lake Forest School District 67 said in a tweet.

His tenure is a short one. Herion was named principal in 2020. He previously served as assistant principal at Daniel Wright Junior High School in Lincolnshire.

As principal, he makes a reported $145,833 per year before other benefits.