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Pupil-led protest shows youth activism alive
A student-led walkout protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions drew hundreds of Elgin High School students out of class last week despite state and district concerns.
The walkout Feb. 4 follows similar waves of student activism at schools across Central Texas in recent weeks. The demonstrations have seen state officials, including the Texas Education Agency (TEA), caution walkouts tied to political activism could carry consequences for students, educators and districts.
Elgin’s young learners felt the need to speak out despite the warnings.
“We’re just trying to support our country and make sure this doesn’t keep happening,” said Elgin High junior Caesar Garcia. “We’re trying to speak out and stop the brutality that Trump’s doing.”
Demonstrators marched along County Line Road to the side of U.S. 290, passing Elgin’s Austin Community College campus chanting, holding signs and blowing whistles as the roadway became congested.
Garcia said he was surprised by the number of students who joined the demonstration and the turnout reflected widespread concern among young people.
“Our country is supported by many,” he said, adding their message was rooted in the contributions of local immigrant communities. “Most of the stuff that’s here was built by immigrants. It’s tough seeing that all this is happening.”
According to TEA officials, school systems that facilitate walkouts are subject to investigation and sanction, including either the appointment of a monitor, conservator or board of managers. The agency stated students must be marked as absent, as schools run the risk of losing daily attendance funding.
In a message sent to parents, Superintendent Jana Rueter stressed the demonstration was organized by students and not sponsored or supervised by Elgin Independent School District.
Rueter said Elgin ISD respects students’ rights to peacefully assemble and acknowledges the emotional toll on community members caused by the national issue, but the district must also comply with Texas law regarding attendance and instructional time.
“Our top priority as a school district is to provide a safe instructional environment for our students,” she said.
District officials also raised safety concerns about students walking off campus and along busy roadways, urging families to discuss the risks with their children.
