Chicago Students Take a Stand Against Immigration Policy in Schoolwide Protest.
Dozens of students at Nicholas Senn High School walked out of class on Friday, joining hundreds of other Chicago Public Schools students who demonstrated against immigration enforcement last week. The students gathered at the intersection of Clark Street and Ridge Avenue, holding signs and flags that called for an end to federal immigration enforcement activities. Cars driving past honked their horns in support.
Junior Julia McGuire was among the organizers of the walkout. She said she found out about it from social media posts and thought most teachers would be okay with it. While some teachers were initially hesitant, they eventually showed support. McGuire noted that her physics class had a teacher who "just made sure you do your work," but others were more supportive.
The Senn High School walkout is part of a larger movement of students in Chicago who are speaking out against immigration policy and tactics. Last week, hundreds of students from several schools walked out to protest federal enforcement operations. This latest event reflects the growing frustration among young people about the impact of these policies on their families and communities.
To ensure student safety during the walkout, faculty members worked with organizers to corral students away from the streets. Claudia Ovalle, Chicago Public Schools network safety manager for the North Side, said she was informed about the planned event by administrators and worked with them to plan for student safety. The measures taken include asking questions about the plans to determine where students will gather, how many people are expected, and whether police presence is necessary.
Julia McGuire expressed satisfaction at seeing so many students participating in the walkout. She noted that it's reassuring to know that there are many others who agree with her and her fellow organizers.
Dozens of students at Nicholas Senn High School walked out of class on Friday, joining hundreds of other Chicago Public Schools students who demonstrated against immigration enforcement last week. The students gathered at the intersection of Clark Street and Ridge Avenue, holding signs and flags that called for an end to federal immigration enforcement activities. Cars driving past honked their horns in support.
Junior Julia McGuire was among the organizers of the walkout. She said she found out about it from social media posts and thought most teachers would be okay with it. While some teachers were initially hesitant, they eventually showed support. McGuire noted that her physics class had a teacher who "just made sure you do your work," but others were more supportive.
The Senn High School walkout is part of a larger movement of students in Chicago who are speaking out against immigration policy and tactics. Last week, hundreds of students from several schools walked out to protest federal enforcement operations. This latest event reflects the growing frustration among young people about the impact of these policies on their families and communities.
To ensure student safety during the walkout, faculty members worked with organizers to corral students away from the streets. Claudia Ovalle, Chicago Public Schools network safety manager for the North Side, said she was informed about the planned event by administrators and worked with them to plan for student safety. The measures taken include asking questions about the plans to determine where students will gather, how many people are expected, and whether police presence is necessary.
Julia McGuire expressed satisfaction at seeing so many students participating in the walkout. She noted that it's reassuring to know that there are many others who agree with her and her fellow organizers.
their passion is inspiring me, i mean i'm just a netizen but seeing hundreds of students take a stand like that makes me wanna be part of the movement too 
gotta give it to these young organizers, julia McGuire and her crew are total rockstars 
and btw, props to teachers who supported the walkout, some of them can't be right 
safety measures in place for the students was a good move by cps, that's what i call responsible leadership 
I LOVE HOW THEY'RE USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO ORGANIZE THESE PROTESTS, IT'S LIKE THEY'RE THE ONES IN CHARGE FOR A CHANGE. 
THEIR MESSAGE IS CLEAR, IMMIGRATION POLICIES ARE HURTING THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND WE NEED TO LISTEN. 
I'M SO IMPRESSED BY THE SCHOOLS THAT ARE SUPPORTING THESE STUDENTS, IT TAKES VELLOUSNESS TO KNOW WHEN TO SPEAK UP. 
they're takin a STAND against immigration policies and its AMAZING to see so many teens gettin involved 
faculty members were supportive too which is more power 2 the students 
about this, but isn't it kinda weird that they're protesting against immigration policies when like, some of them might be immigrants themselves? 
I mean, don't get me wrong, it's great that they're standing up for what they believe in, but shouldn't they also consider their own experiences and backgrounds?
. The fact that some teachers were hesitant at first is wild, but I'm glad most of them came around 
. And can we talk about the solidarity from drivers who honked their horns in support 
? It's moments like these that give me hope for the future 
. The students' safety was taken seriously too, which is a great sign 
!
They're like 16, it's time for them to speak up. I'm not saying teachers shouldn't be involved or supportive but come on guys chill 
. I mean, who wouldn't want their teachers to be supportive of their right to protest 
. I love that they're taking a proactive approach to planning and coordination – it really shows that they value their students' voices and concerns 
The fact that cars were honking in support of the students is just awesome 
. It's time for us all to listen to these students and take note of the impact these policies have on them 
. Way to go, Chicago students! You're making a difference 
They're also showing us that activism can be a powerful tool for change 
!
That could have some pretty negative connotations.
. It's great that most teachers showed support too, especially the ones who just wanted them to get their work done 
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. And let's be real, it's not just about the protest – it's about creating a movement that can lead to real change 
. I'm so here for this!