The walkout came just a day after Gov. Greg Abbott and the TEA announced stricter measures against school walkouts.
JACKSONVILLE, Texas — Growing concerns over immigration enforcement have prompted student-led protests across Texas, including a small demonstration in Jacksonville.
Students at Jacksonville ISD participated in a group walkout on Thursday to protest ICE policies, family separations, and the impact of immigration enforcement on local communities.
The walkout came just a day after Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency announced stricter measures against school walkouts, warning that districts allowing them could face funding penalties.
“The only thing that I heard from the district was that we were going to get counted absent for a class” one student said.
Students left campus around 3 p.m. Thursday and gathered near Highway 69 to make their voices heard. For some participants, the protest was personal.
“I actually have a few family members that recently got their papers, but I was living in fear that one day they would be stopped on the road and taken from me,” she said.
Under the TEA guidance, student walkouts are marked as unexcused absences, and districts could lose funding if attendance declines. Teachers who facilitate such protests may also face investigation or disciplinary action.
The district said students have the right to express themselves politically. They just can’t do so in a way that disrupts the learning.
Jacksonville ISD issued a statement Thursday ahead of the walkout.
“Students who leave campus during the instructional day without following proper procedures will receive an unexcused absence and will not be permitted to return to campus for the remainder of the day. Additionally, students who leave campus without authorization may be subject to disciplinary action,” the district wrote.
Residents also participated in the protest to support students and amplify the voices of those affected by immigration policies.
“I love that the youth is standing up for what’s wrong and speaking up without fear,” protestor Lashuntia Price said. “As long as you stand up and say something, you’re going to be heard. If you stay quiet, these issues will keep sliding.”
Despite the small turnout, organizers said the protest was meaningful.
“These students coming out here, even though it’s just a few of us, we are being hurt by everybody in Jacksonville. So it’s great to be heard,” she said.