FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (FOX26) — Superintendents across Fresno County are speaking out following recent student walkouts.
They’re urging families to help keep students safe and engaged during the school day.
In a joint letter written to parents, district leaders say that while they respect students’ rights to free speech and civic engagement, leaving campus without permission puts students at risk and impacts their academic success.
They’re reminding families that students may only leave campus if a parent or guardian checks them out.
Otherwise, the absence is unexcused.
California law does allow for one excused absence per year for civic participation, but school leaders say that is only with advance notice and proper checkout.
Districts are encouraging students to express their views safely on campus during breaks or lunch periods.