Little Rock elementary school cancels congressman's visit

LITTLE ROCK (AP) — A Little Rock elementary school has canceled a Republican congressman's visit to its campus after learning that some parents planned to protest the lawmaker.

U.S. Rep. French Hill of Arkansas was scheduled to visit the Gibbs Magnet Elementary on Monday, the Arkansas

Democrat-Gazette reported. Principal Donna Hall told parents Sunday evening that she made the decision to cancel because she was concerned that a "protest

would be a disruption to the day for students."

Hall said she now regrets the decision and that a protest could've been an opportunity to educate students on democracy and "the right to peacefully demonstrate differing

views."

Hall said Hill was invited to speak to fifth-grade students on the school's 2017 theme of "Go Do Great Things." She said the school has apologized to Hill and has requested to reschedule.

Hill didn't confirm if he would reschedule a visit, but said he treasures his time with students.

"From college to kindergarten, I love interacting with teachers and students," Hill said. "I visit schools throughout the year to discuss students' aspirations and dreams, and the issues of the day, as well as the role education has played in my life, my career as an entrepreneur, and the incredibly important duty to serve that each one of us has in our Constitutional Republic."