Student-led walkouts protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been taking place at high schools across the United States following recent events involving immigration enforcement. In the Indianapolis area, several students have participated in similar demonstrations, including Lawrence North High School, Lawrence Central High School, North Central High School, Southport High School, Park Tudor School, Brownsburg High School, and many others student organizers say the protests are meant to raise awareness and show support for immigrant communities. Additional walkouts have continued to occur in the state as the movement spreads.
Students have organized these walkouts despite knowing there could be consequences for participating. Many students said they were aware they could face disciplinary actions, including suspension, but chose to walk out anyway to express their views and show support for immigrant communities. Ava Miller, 11th grader, from Southport High school when asked if she regretted walking out after being suspended, she said, “ No, because it was such an important thing to me and I don’t regret standing up for something I believe in and knowing my morals.”
Ava’s opinion seems to be shared by many students that being suspended was [Suspension] was a district decision, so it wasn’t the schools, but I hope kids aren’t afraid to voice their opinion.”
Lexie Whiteside, junior, from Park Tudor, hopes that legislators see “that protests are not an act of violence or excessive behavior from students, and the community is coming together as a celebratory thing.¨
Both Lexi and Ava’s responses show that, at some level, students are not acting out for attention, but are deeply concerned about real issues that affect their lives and futures ¨because it’s so important to stand up for what you believe in, especially during this time,¨ says Ava.
James Sully, a junior from Brownsburg, was asked, “What is your message to other students who are concerned about this topic?” He said, “ My message to other students is to express your opinion about the situation in any circumstance that doesn’t involve breaking the law.” His response encourages students to speak up responsibly, showing that activism can be both powerful and respectful of rules.
Since the week of February 7, there have been no widely reported student walkouts in Indianapolis, although social media suggests some continued interest and discussion among high school students about organizing protests
