'Black Panther Party' Protests At Ashburn School: Police

ASHBURN, VA—Six people who identified themselves as members of the "Black Panther Party" went into Madison's Trust Elementary School on Friday "to discuss how recent events in the news surrounding the school were being addressed," according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. They left after a school administrator said he couldn't discuss personnel matters, and on the way out began chanting "no justice, no peace."

Upon arrival, police saw six people dressed in all-black leaving the school. They were cooperative and one of the group's members said they represented a Black Panther Party. Police said the incident appeared to be a protest and no threats were made toward the school or the staff, and added that it didn't meet the elements of trespassing or disorderly conduct.

Early last month, students in the fourth, fifth and six grade had been instructed to pretend a gym class obstacle course exercise represented the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes slaves used to escape into free states, at the school on 42380 Creighton Road. Michelle Thomas, president of the NAACP's Loudoun chapter, told BuzzFeed News that "(slavery) was never a game, and it should never be taken lightly. It's sickening (and) racist."

Shortly before 10 a.m. Friday, police went to the school on 42380 Creighton Road in the Brambleton community following a 911 call from an employee. They found that the group entered the school's vestibule by following a parent and a student who had been cleared to enter through the electronic door access. They went to the office, showed identification and asked to speak with a school administrator before being told about the restrictions.

As a precaution, an LCSO School Resource Officer remained at the school for the rest of the day. On Monday, the LCSO said it's reviewing the circumstances about how the group entered the school and will work with staff about areas of concern, including strict visitor controls.