A student-led walkout occurred on March 6 in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The walkout was planned by sophomores Emilia Stopka and Alexandra Schuessler. They used Instagram account @nileswestwalkout to spread information to students.
“Personally, I’m an immigrant, and I understand not all the struggles, but most of the struggles that people go through to get to America,” Stopka said. “I think what’s going on right now is really unfair.”
The walkout started at 12:15 p.m. and lasted until 1:15 p.m. Students walked one mile east on Oakton Street and stopped in front of Skokie Village Hall. Many students held handmade signs and participated in chants.
“We’re fighting for what’s right,” sophomore Katie Camins said. “No one is illegal on stolen land. Jesus claims to love your neighbors, not to deport your neighbors.”
Students were accompanied by staff and administration to supervise them. Police cars from Skokie Police Department drove beside participants.
“I made sure I pulled my car in the right lane to make sure that no cars went in the right lane,” School Resource Officer (SRO) Nick Larson said. “Then we had other police officers show up. We just managed to make sure all the kids stayed on the sidewalk…It was pretty safe.”
After the walkout, students were directed to the auditorium and later dismissed to their seventh period classes. Students who participated received an unexcused absence.
“I just think it’s important to voice our dissatisfaction with how things are being carried out by the government right now- even if…the school isn’t responsible for anything that ICE has done as an agency,” senior Muhammad Ammar said. “It’s important that as students, we make sure our voices are heard and show that it is not okay.”
According to an email sent to parents and guardians by Principal Steve Parnther, about 165 students participated in the demonstration.
“D219 values student voice and our priority is to respect student expression while ensuring educational integrity,” Parnther said in the email. “We regularly review our staff guidance for student demonstrations and you can be assured that all safety procedures were followed during today’s event.”
