Voc-Tech Students And Community Members Gather To Support Jimmy Owens

Students and community members gathered Friday across the street from Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech High School, to show their support for ousted school administrator Jimmy Owens.

Owens was let go Tuesday apparently after a subpar employee evaluation. A current student said Owens has counseled him and other students, and he couldn't believe Owens had been removed. "The fact that they let go of the best administrator in the school under false pretenses is just ridiculous. I just felt like walking out."

A former co-worker also came to Owens' defense, saying he had done the job for students. "What he's done for our students, the opportunities that he's presented to them, this is a tragedy if anybody allows this man to be ousted from Voc-Tech. It means our kids will suffer."

About 50 people turned out for the demonstration, which was organized by Owen's daughter who is a senior at the school.

A second, larger rally is planned for Saturday at Buttonwood Park, starting at 11am. Owens has filed a complaint with the Mass. Commission Against Discrimination.