Student organizers have planned a walkout Friday afternoon to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Posters adorning the walls of the school and a post on Instagram have called for a walkout after eighth period at 12:35 p.m. on Jan. 30. The post was created by a social media account going by @boroforjustice2026 on Instagram.
This act of protest was planned in response to the current happenings throughout the nation. There have been nationwide protests against ICE denouncing the organization and their acts towards immigrants both documented and undocumented as well as some U.S. citizens.
In contrast to some of the violent situations that have taken place in the past couple of months, this protest was organized in order to provide a way for students to unite and speak up in a nonviolent manner.
“This is our chance to unite as a school and do something massive-Local coverage of this topic encourages lawmakers and state officials in our area to address this issue and join the national protest against ICE in our communities,” the boroforjustice2026 Instagram account said.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the Supreme Court ruled in 1969 that students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.”
According to the ACLU, students’ rights are protected under the First Amendment with some limitations. Freedom of speech along with freedom to peacefully assemble are vital components addressed in this amendment. Even on school grounds, students can exercise their right to assemble, but schools may treat an absence from class as a cut. Nevertheless, schools may not punish students more for political speech or assembly than they would for any other absence.
The school administration is aware of the walk-out and has taken steps to provide students a safe place to assemble where they can maintain a risk-free environment.
Whether for a pep rally or walkout, outside gatherings are typically held at the football field. Students participating in the walk-out will be directed to exit the building by the main entrance or the library and gather on the turf in an effort to keep everyone safe.
