The updated protocols take effect Monday, Feb. 9. The district said the changes follow a wave of student demonstrations.

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura announced new rules Friday for student walkout protests, saying the changes are meant to keep demonstrations safe and focused.

In a letter to families, Segura said students who walk out but remain within 300 feet of campus will be monitored by school administrators and district police. Any protests that move beyond that distance will be tracked by law enforcement, while campus staff will stay behind to supervise students who remain in class.

Segura also reminded employees that teachers and staff are not allowed to participate in or help organize walkouts, in line with guidance recently issued by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Staff may only get involved for safety or monitoring purposes and must stay with students who do not join the walkout.

The updated protocols take effect Monday, Feb. 9. The district said the changes follow a wave of student demonstrations in recent weeks protesting state and federal immigration enforcement.

Segura’s full letter to Austin ISD families can be read below:

Dear Austin ISD Community,

In the last two weeks, we’ve seen an uptick in student-led protests against immigration policies and enforcement. We have managed past walkouts by giving students space and freedom to express themselves. However, the number of protests, combined with demonstrations moving off campus, has prompted our leaders to develop more detailed protest protocols to ensure the safety of our students and staff while maintaining our focus on on-campus instruction. 

Starting Monday, Feb. 9, we will implement the following updates to our protest protocols:

On-campus walkouts within 300 feet of the building will be monitored by administrators and Austin ISD Police.If a walkout moves more than 300 feet from campus, administrators and staff will remain on campus. Law enforcement will follow students to monitor for safety.Once off campus, local law enforcement will monitor students.

Additionally, we have communicated staff expectations to all Austin ISD employees in alignment with the Texas Education Agency guidelines released this week. 

Staff are not permitted to participate in, help plan, provide guidance, or endorse these student-sponsored activities unless directed to do so for safety and monitoring purposes only. Teachers are directed to remain in class with students who do not participate in the walkout. Staff may only direct the students planning a walkout to notify the principal of those plans. Staff may not distribute materials in the classroom unless the principal has approved distribution as part of a curricular activity. Staff are encouraged to exercise their constitutional rights to participate in political activity (e.g., campaigning, running for office, registering voters, displaying, and distributing political materials), but should do so on their own time or by taking leave. Board Policy DGA — Employee Rights and Privileges: Freedom of AssociationInstructional personnel may discuss political issues with students as part of the instructional program, provided they follow the District’s guidelines to ensure balanced and critical review.Staff may not participate in, and Austin ISD facilities may not be used for, political campaigns during school or work hours. During work hours, employees and those acting on behalf of the District are prohibited from wearing campaign buttons, t-shirts, hats or other items designed to influence the outcome of an election. Staff are also prohibited from displaying such items in their workplaces or on school grounds and/or property.Administrators will consult with the Offices of the General Counsel and Professional Standards regarding any staff member who violates policies or for guidance on staff expectations.

We have developed FAQs to help families better understand our policies and protocols regarding these demonstrations. 

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate through these events. If you have any questions, please connect with your campus leadership. Thank you for your support of Austin ISD.”