SHS protest organizers plan to protest diocese office

A large crowd gathered at the Northside Civic Center Monday, May 25, to hear new developments in the efforts of parents of Sacred Heart School students and alumni to remove Principal Diane Fontenot.
People have been demonstrating in front of the school since early May, calling for Fontenot’s removal. During the meeting on May 25, organizers said they plan to protest at the office of the Diocese of Lafayette and Bishop Michael Jarrell on Wednesday, June 3, starting at 8 a.m.
In a written statement released during the meeting, the protest committee stated, “We seek accountability and assistance with our administrative problems which we fear will lead to the closure of our school.”
The Diocese of Lafayette set out a plan earlier to put together a committee to review the concerns these protesters have raised. On Wednesday afternoon, the diocese and Bishop Michael Jarrell announced the members of the Blue Ribbon Committee tasked with the duty to inquire into the recent conflict at Sacred Heart School. Member are:
•Joseph Giglio Jr. —Chairman
•Camille Domingue
•Rev. Hampton Davis
•Gene Lognion
•Michael Neustrom
In a release accompanying the announcement, the diocese stated, “In order to have the greatest impact, the committee has been given in-depth access to information about the school. The pastor and the principal have pledged their full cooperation, and the committee is anxious to receive input from concerned stakeholders. 
“In his earlier letter to the school community, the Bishop indicated in every crisis lies an opportunity. It is hoped that the Blue Ribbon Committee may be able to identify all of the key problems and to recommend specific solutions. The good of students must be the first priority for the school family. The Blue Ribbon Committee members appreciate that Catholic schools are governed differently than public schools because of their unique mission as an authorized teaching ministry of the Catholic church. Assessment of the current situation will proceed in accord with Catholic teaching and discipline. 
“Brief statements of not more than 500 words may be forwarded to the committee along with the person’s name and contact information at the following special email box SHVPBlue@gmail.com.”