Holding onto posters, a group of around 150 students gathered in CHS’s gym lobby on Feb. 13 at 9:45 a.m. They then walked onto the track field, chanting and yelling.
The walkout was organized by the Instagram account @icewalkoutchsfeb13 as part of “Students Stand With Minneapolis.” This student-led protest movement pushed to voice opposition to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Minnesota, which resulted in the deaths of civilians Alex Pretti and Renée Good.
“I just think that there’s just so much corruption going on, especially like with this administration,” junior Leah Masten said. “They’re defending the deaths of people who died at the hands of ICE.”
To address student concerns, on Feb. 11, FCPS School Board Member Ryan McEleveen issued a statement on his Instagram story stating that students have the right to take part in walks and protests during school hours. This is part of Regulation 2234.9 (Section V.E. 1.), where “civic engagement” is defined as a reason for excused absence, allowing for one partial school day per year.
“I believe what’s going on is wrong and ICE shouldn’t be using extreme force to deport people,” sophomore Judy Ali said. “I’m glad to see so many people in our school making a difference and actually caring about what’s happening.”
School faculty monitored the protest outside and inside the school building. While students were encouraged to remain within school boundaries, some walked to the Greenbriar Shopping Center to continue the protest. However, a majority returned to class by 10:20 a.m.
“I stand up for the people,” freshman Winter Smith said. “I feel really great that the whole school can come together and do something that means something to a lot of people.”
