Gresham High School Principal Resigns Amid Safety Concerns

Principal Erika Beddoe Whitlock of Gresham High School has resigned following significant tensions surrounding the school's handling of a gun incident on September 20, where a student was arrested for threatening a pedestrian and bringing a loaded weapon onto campus. In her resignation letter, Whitlock expressed that the emotional strain from the fallout and the division within the school community made her position untenable. The incident sparked protests from students demanding stronger safety measures and transparency from the school administration, with a notable walkout occurring on October 3. The Gresham-Barlow School District acknowledged Whitlock's contributions over her three-year tenure and emphasized its commitment to maintaining rigorous safety protocols. The district has yet to announce a replacement for Whitlock, who will remain until November 8 to aid in the transition. This situation highlights growing concerns about school safety and administrative accountability in response to potential threats.