Local student organizers of immigration protests are changing tactics after state education officials threatened school districts with consequences for allowing student walkouts.
Hundreds of students at University High School and Waco High School walked out of last-period class on Jan. 30 for a sidewalk protest against a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis that has turned deadly.
After student walkouts across the state, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Education Agency to investigate school districts’ response to the protests. The TEA on Tuesday issued a letter to districts warning that they could risk losing funding or even face a state takeover if they facilitated student protests.
“State law prohibits school systems from supporting or opposing any forms of political activism that disrupts learning during the school day, including facilitation of political activism through the use of taxpayer-funded district resources,” the letter states. “If a school system is found to be in violation of state law, the agency will investigate and take appropriate action, which can include the appointment of a monitor, conservator or board of managers.”
Meanwhile, student organizers at Midway High School canceled plans for a walkout this Friday, and La Vega High School students are planning an off-campus protest.
Midway Independent School District sent a statement to parents Wednesday that Midway High School organizers had decided to call off a planned walkout at the request of administrators.
“We can share that the students involved have since decided to pursue more effective and appropriate ways to express their concerns, and the walkout has been canceled,” the district stated. “We appreciate the maturity and good judgment shown in making that decision and choosing a better path forward for everyone involved.”
The statement added that the district would step up safety measures at the school Friday and warned students that an unexcused absence resulting from a walkout could affect their eligibility for exams, extracurricular activities or events.
“This is not a joking matter, and we ask all parents to discuss this seriously with their student(s),” the district stated.
In a video posted on social media, Midway ISD student organizers stated they did not want to cancel but did so due to concerns about safety and triggering an investigation by TEA. They encouraged their peers to continue voicing their concerns through other channels. The students could not be reached Thursday.
Meanwhile, La Vega High School students will hold a demonstration against immigration actions on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Valley Mills Drive, which has been the site of numerous protest against Trump administration policies over the last year.
Layla Hayes, a senior at La Vega Early College High School, is helping to organize the rally. She told The Waco Bridge on Thursday that students are paying attention to what is happening nationwide.
“We believe in times like this where we see nothing but violence and hate occurring throughout our country it is important to stand up and use our voices for good,” Hayes said via an email statement to the Bridge. “Most of us students aren’t old enough to vote so we have to find other ways to use our voices.”
Hayes added the protest is organized entirely by students. She feels hopeful seeing students throughout Waco want to get involved.
“Although there has been hate and backlash, for every person that hates I’ve seen two times as much support,” Hayes said. “If I have learned anything from organizing, it’s that there is genuinely still hope for this country.”
Waco ISD will continue to use its established process for unexcused absences and notifying parents. The guidance does not change any of the district’s internal policies. However, the district noted staff is prohibited from encouraging or facilitating student walkouts and could face consequences.
“Waco ISD values the professionalism of its staff and their dedication to navigating these responsibilities with care,” Waco ISD said via a statement to The Bridge on Thursday. “The district encourages open communication between staff and leadership to ensure all actions remain in the best interest of students and the community.”
Under TEA’s guidelines this week on walkouts:
- School districts are required to mark participating students absent.
- Districts could face loss of daily attendance funding if they allow or encourage students to walk out of class.
- Any teachers helping with walkouts will be subject to investigation and sanctioned – including the possibility of license revocation.
- School districts that facilitate walkouts will be investigated and could face consequences including the appointment of a monitor, conservator or board of managers.
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld student speech rights in the 1969 case, Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent Community School District, ruling that a school could not bar students from wearing black arm bands to protest the Vietnam War, according to Education Week.
Courts since then have recognized those rights based on a standard set in Tinker that schools can only intervene in protests if they cause “substantial disruption.”
