A student responsible for hanging a banner reading "build a wall" this week at Forest Grove High School apologized to the community Thursday after a large crowd of protesters marched from the school through town.

The banner, which went up in the school on Wednesday and was quickly removed, echoed the immigration reform proposal of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has suggested building a wall between the United States and Mexico.

The banner prompted students at Forest Grove and surrounding schools to walk out of class Thursday morning.

A public blog post sharing the apology letter says it was emailed Thursday to high school and district leaders. In it, the student explains why the banner was put up and apologizes to anyone hurt by it. A school official said two students responsible for the banner have been disciplined, but wouldn't release details.

In the letter, the student said he doesn't believe that a border wall should be constructed and instead intended to do something in protest of restrictions on freedom of speech. The student later realized the banner had a negative meaning.

The student is not named in the letter and the family asked that they not be identified. The student asked that people not become violent over the incident and explained that he was afraid for his family after students drove by their home yelling Thursday.

Here is the entire text of the letter:

"Dear Forest Grove and Cornelius Community,

On May 18th, I hung a banner in Forest Grove High School that said, "Build a Wall." I don't actually believe that a wall needs to be built along our border. I wanted to do something provocative to protest what I see as restrictions on freedom of speech. I was feeling like people weren't open to discuss sensitive issues, because no matter what is said, no matter what words I used, someone says, "That's offensive!" I was angry, and I thought this would be a great way to express my belief in freedom of speech.

But I now understand that I chose a really bad place and way of expressing my belief on free speech. In trying to be noticeable, I used a message that held a strong, threatening connotation. I did not see that it was as strong or as negative as it was - but now I do. I understand now why it is being called racist and that I've made some students feel they and their families are not wanted at Forest Grove High School. That was never my intention.

I am truly sorry for anyone that I have hurt. Because my words did hurt - I understand that now. I will think more carefully in the future about my words and my actions. I still passionately believe in freedom of speech, but I also understand that just because it's legal to do something doesn't mean that it's the right thing to do.

I will work to learn about other cultures and how different people perceive different messages. I am going to learn much more about the issues of immigrants in the USA, especially Forest Grove, and learn about why they have come, what their life is like, the challenges they face and how they improve this community.

I may be present at the walkout that I have heard is happening later today. I may not. I haven't decided yet. I haven't decided yet what's best for the school, and what I should do regarding my participation. And to anyone that would like to have a formal and sincere conversation accompanied by a verbal apology I would like to make myself available.

I would sincerely ask that people not threaten violence, or engage in violence, over this incident. As students yelled and drove by my home today, I was scared not for myself, but for my family. I love my family very much - a family I have disappointed and that did not raise me this way - and I want them to be safe."

Hundreds of Forest Grove High students walked out of class Thursday and traveled down Main Street, stopping to demonstrate in front of the district's administration offices. They were joined by students from multiple neighboring schools, including Liberty and Glencoe high schools in Hillsboro.

The banner had been put up over posters displayed for the school's Unity Week.

--Laura Frazier

503-294-4035