CEDAR PARK, Texas — Hundreds of students walked out of Vista Ridge High School on Wednesday morning in yet another student-led Central Texas protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A group of two to three hundred students left the Leander ISD school, marching about a mile to a nearby H-E-B. A group of parents marched alongside them.
“I’m proud of my kids. I want to be here, mainly just to keep an eye on them, support them and to show them that we’re here to help them have a voice,” said Kim Rodriguez, a Vista Ridge parent.
The protest is one part of a series of protests that began at the end of January.
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In the weeks since, the state’s top leaders have pushed back against the protests, threatening action against schools and districts that help facilitate walkouts.
“Today, in classrooms across Texas, tomorrow’s leaders are learning the foundational, critical thinking skills and knowledge necessary for lifelong learning, serving as the bedrock for the future success of our state and nation,” the Texas Education Agency wrote in guidance to schools last week. “It is in this spirit that school systems have been reminded of their duty and obligation to ensure that their students are both safe and that they attend school, with consequences for students for unexcused absences.”
The TEA directed districts to mark participating students absent, and suggested that any schools that assist students in protesting could face investigation and intervention by the state.
Parents at Wednesday’s protest said their students were not discouraged by potential repercussions.
“I understand there needs to be repercussions, unexcused absences. Kids understand that. And they’re willing to take that risk,” said parent Nikki Stahl.
Ahead of a walkout at Leander High School last week, the school’s principal, Chris Simpson, shared a letter with families.
“This is not an LISD or Leander High School organized event,” Simpson wrote.
In response to Wednesday’s walkout, a spokesperson fro Leander ISD shared a statement that reads, in part:
Around noon today, a group of about 200 students chose to leave campus. This was not a school- or district-sponsored activity. Staff followed established campus safety protocols and maintained a focused learning environment for students who remained in class.We cannot prohibit students from engaging in lawful expression of their views. When students independently choose to act, our responsibility is not to take a position, but to ensure safety, order and continuity of learning. Allowing students to make their own choices should not be interpreted as the school or district endorsing any political action or viewpoint. This distinction is important.