Cries of “we want justice; we want peace; get ICE off our streets” rang out as Dieruff High School students massed at the Iron Pigs stadium Wednesday morning before continuing their journey down Union Boulevard.
“We need to do better as a country,” Dieruff sophomore Jack Santos said, adding, “We’re just here to spread awareness.”
Dieruff students carried Puerto Rican flags and cheered at cars honking their support as they walked from the school to the stadium. It was the second student-led protest in Allentown against federal immigration enforcement in less than a week, after last Thursday’s Allen High School walkout, and part of a nationwide expansion of student-led protests against federal immigration enforcement.
“It’s just sad us kids have to do this,” Dieruff sophomore Joslivette Tatis said.
Tatis referenced those killed by immigration enforcement officers, saying it’s difficult “seeing people die in front of you.” She objected to the conduct of federal immigration officials, saying people are being treated “like they’re animals” and that enforcement authorities are “seeing them as trash.”
Deportation is personal for Allentown families, Tatis said. Other protesters said recent arrests of immigrants in Allentown had motivated students to organize the walkout.
At Allentown and other school districts, the loosely organized protests, largely advertised on social media, have led some school districts to emphasize disciplinary consequences, while others have tried to work with organizers to shape the protest formats.
Allentown School District officials said they felt a need to reach out to families after social media posts advertised both the Wednesday Dieruff walkout and a potential Friday walkout at Harrison Morton Middle School.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. As a reminder, when school is in session, all students are expected to remain in class and follow school policies, procedures, and behavioral expectations as outlined in the Student and Family Handbook. Maintaining a safe, orderly, and supervised learning environment is essential, and school leaders and staff will continue to uphold these expectations,” the district’s Tuesday communication to families read.
“We recognize that members of our learning community may have strong feelings about current events affecting our nation, and we respect students’ desire to express their perspectives. We encourage students to do so in constructive, respectful, and appropriate ways that do not disrupt instructional time or compromise safety.”
The statement emphasized that “any student-led demonstrations are not organized, sponsored, or directed by the Allentown School District or its staff” and said leaving class without permission will be recorded as an unexcused absence and students will be marked absent for each class period missed.
“When students leave campus without permission, they are no longer under direct school supervision. This can present safety concerns, particularly when walking near roadways, navigating traffic, or gathering in unsupervised areas,” the district wrote. “Instruction will continue as scheduled, and our focus will remain on supporting learning and teaching for all students.”
A little more than a hundred Dierff students processed down the sidewalks along Union Boulevard during Wednesday’s walkout. They carried signs that ranged from the tongue-in-cheek “Hot People Melt ICE” and “Get ICE Off My Streets Boiii” to the simple “ICE Out.”
The overall message is that government officials should be treating everyone equally, said Dieruff sophomore Nataly Ortiz.
“God made us all the same,” Ortiz said.
District responses vary
Parkland High School had a quiet morning Wednesday after rumors of a potential “PHS Walkout” spread. The circulated flyer, however, contained multiple indications that it was not tied to the South Whitehall Township school, including incorrect times for the end of periods.
Parkland’s principal, however, did take to the intercom to make an all-school announcement, emphasizing a desire to work with students to find alternative modes of protest that would not involve missing class. Students were also told that they would receive a zero for any assignments missed due to participation in a walkout.
Quakertown Community High School officials decided to work with student leaders to establish security for a planned Friday protest.
The QCHS communication to families, sent Tuesday, said campus would be closed during the event, with visitors discouraged.
“This allows staff and law enforcement to focus exclusively on student safety,” the principal’s statement said.
The school will increase law enforcement presence on campus to “support traffic and perimeter security” and will establish “safety zones” to keep students away from high-traffic roadways and emergency walkways, the statement noted.
“The standard code of conduct remains in effect,” the statement read. “Students who stay within designated safety zones will not be disciplined for protesting.”
Classrooms will be open for students who choose not to participate, the statement added, emphasizing that participation is voluntary.
“Per district policy, missed time will be recorded as a class cut, and missed work may not be made up for credit,” the statement read.