Almost two weeks after they walked out of their classrooms to protest ongoing special education issues, Toll Gate and Pilgrim students are now said to be receiving Friday detention for leaving their classes.

Zach Colon, the Toll Gate senior who organized the walkout, said he was told soon after the protest that suspension would be in order. But that threat was lifted and he was told Friday detention would be the case instead. On Wednesday, he told the Beacon that Toll Gate Vice Principal Tim Kane called him into the hallway during advisory and told him the students would in fact be getting detention.

“I don’t believe it was a ‘suspendible’ offense. All we did that was punishable was the fact that we ditched last period, which would usually consist of some sort of detention. I think it fits,” said Colon.

Colon believes 75 students between Toll Gate and Pilgrim were given detention and said they’ll serve it this Friday, January 6.

The students protested after the School Committee did not endorse a City Council resolution for a private investigation of the special education program. The Rhode Island Department of Education is set to do a review of the program, but many felt an investigation is necessary, as a review wouldn’t go far enough. RIDE, which is still in the planning phase of the review, is collecting data in January and expects to begin the on-site phase in February, said a representative from the Office of the Commissioner.

Toll Gate directed the Beacon to administration for comment. Pilgrim Assistant Principal Pamela Bernardi and Secondary Education Director Bob Littlefield could not be reached for comment.