This led to Francis Howell district parents voicing concerns against the transfer of students even though they would pay out-of-district tuition. The town hall meeting went on for over two hours with almost 3,000 people in attendance. One parent at Francis Howell Central High School stated : "I deserve to not have to worry about my children getting stabbed, or taking a drug, or getting robbed" which was supported by many cheers. Many of these parents were later criticized by some as racist and classist. Other parents drew similarities between their current controversy and that of desegregation busing during the Civil Rights Movement.