Caution: this article contains the author’s own perspective and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Bear Truth News or Winter Springs High School.

Amidst the rampage of immigration raids throughout the United States, students across the country have rallied together to organize walkouts. These raids often target vulnerable families and have taken countless lives like Keith Porter, Renee Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, and Victor Manuel Diaz to name a few.

Students at Winter Springs High School followed in support, with the creation of a non-school affiliated Instagram account spreading the word of the walkout. According to their post, the protest  was set to take place in the WSHS courtyard on February 13th from 1:50 to 2:20 pm. They stressed that “THE PROTEST WILL REMAIN PEACEFUL.” The post continued with ground rules to keep the walkout safe and effective. 

 In response to these protests, the Florida Commissioner of Education, Anastasios Kamoutsas, released a formal statement addressing them. “Students retain constitutional rights to free expression, including the ability to engage in peaceful protest, when such expression complies with applicable law and school district policy. Any student whose actions are to the contrary should be appropriately disciplined.” Administrators and staff were discouraged from promoting protest and were instructed to give out referrals to students attempting to protest since it violates this rule. 

Students who participated in the walkout were threatened with further disciplinary actions depending on the escalation of their behavior. Though WSHS students cancelled the protest, other schools like Lake Howell proceeded with the protest. Additionally, a new student WSHS protest page was made to take place during both lunches on February 27,  they urge that this protest will also be a peaceful demonstration. 

 The purpose of the walkout was to peacefully take a stand against the tragedies that have been inflicted on individuals and families across America. Despite its cancellation, the news of the walkout created much needed awareness to the cause. There are numerous other ways to take a stand against ICE, reposting news, signing petitions, and boycotting institutions that support them. Even if the next protest disbands or becomes suppressed there is nothing more powerful than student voices assembling to demand change and action in their community.