Over the past week, multiple high schools in Fayette County have seen students walk out of class. They have been participating in student-led protests against the actions of Immigration Customs Enforcement, or ICE, agents across the country.
James McMillin is the Chief School Leadership Officer over high schools for the Fayette County Public School System. He said school officials were aware these would be taking place.
“The Supreme Court ruled that students don't check their First Amendment Rights at the door, that they can, that those rights are protected,” he said. “They can wear political symbols, they can hand out fliers, they can express their viewpoints; however, those rights do end when they become a substantial disruption to the school environment.”
The national walkout was scheduled for last Friday, but Fayette County Public Schools were out due to lingering ice and cold temperatures from January's winter storm. Some parents have lashed out at school officials over the walkouts, saying students have missed too much school already.
McMillin said these events were completely student-led.
“I want to say this, we are not in any way, was this organized by Fayette County Public Schools. We are not supporting students walking out of class. I agree 100%, we have been out a lot of winter weather. We want students in class, we want to get back to the high-quality instruction that's happening with our teachers,” he said.
As for disciplinary actions, McMillin said no special actions were taken. Teachers and staff have been instructed to mark the students “absent” or “skipping” for the time they are not in class, and they are notifying their parents.
McMillin said the safety of the students was a top priority during the walkouts, and students conducted themselves well during these protests.
