During MHS’ B2 classes on Friday, February 6, approximately 30 students walked out of class as part of a student organized protest of the recent actions of ICE, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
This walkout was advertised by students on social media ahead of time, which allowed them to spread the word quickly. The organizer of the walkout, junior Abbie Woods, began planning this event by putting together a social media post on Instagram and Snapchat, which spread rapidly.
Woods got a mix of reactions from other students immediately, but she said that both sides were respectful in how they addressed her with their opinions on the plans.
About her motivation, Woods stated, “There were several events that made me feel like I needed to do something in our community, especially since we live in a very conservative community. My political views are not shared by a lot of people, and I think it’s important that everyone in the community is aware of everything that’s going on in our country and just not one-sided of the story.”
Another student, who wished to remain anonymous, stated their opinion saying, “No, I don’t think protesting is necessary because 15 minutes isn’t gonna change the government. Especially from a small town like Monticello, it’s not gonna change anything. So, I really don’t think we needed it, to be honest, but to each his own.”
Soon after posting plans for the walkout, Woods noted that Mr. Courson, the school principal, contacted her and her parents immediately, in order to work out details to keep things running safely and smoothly for all students.
Woods said she met with assistant principal, Mr. Sheehan, the next morning to work out the details. “I had a meeting about the protest with Mr. Sheehan to ensure student safety, and to ensure that people were following school rules.”
Mr. Sheehan said, “MHS administration was made aware in advance that a walkout was being planned, so we met with the student organizers to better understand the plan, help maintain a safe environment for everyone, and ensure the learning environment remained as uninterrupted as possible.”
At the protest there was a police officer, although according to the administration, “We made our School Resource Officer from the Piatt County Sheriff’s Office and the Monticello Police Department aware so they could assist in providing supervision and safety when students exited the building. We respect and value student civic engagement. At the same time, our primary responsibility is to maintain a safe, orderly learning environment and ensure appropriate supervision during the school day.”
Overall the protest was peaceful. The school allowed fifteen minutes for the students to exercise their freedom of speech. However, some students felt like that wasn’t enough. Senior Amara Fulton stated, “15 minutes was not enough to protest. I would have liked 30, 45. I understand why we have that. I get it, but I just wish we had more time.”
Senior Liam Bartlett, who felt the time frame was too limited, stated, “I stayed a little bit longer, and we walked around the school and Amara [Fulton] gave a statement.”
Fulton noted, “I took a little detour. I went around to the front. I had prepared a speech that I wanted to say, so I went around to the front, gave my speech, and walked in. That was it.”
Students who went inside after 15 minutes allotted were not punished. Bartlett, who stayed out longer than approved, stated, “We were told we would receive detentions.” Fulton added, “There were people that left school and, like, fully never came back, and the administration was more worried about them, which is valid. We really just took a detour.”
Other students believe that the protest is not likely to make a difference. Junior Kali Griffith said, “We’re not on the map, really…if you think about it, they’re going to, like, bigger cities, and we are not one of them.”
Senior Liam Bartlett countered, “Well, ICE isn’t in Monticello right now, but I know at least emotionally it definitely affects our emotions and, you know, our mental health.”
One freshman, who wished to remain anonymous, added, “I definitely think a lot of kids, especially children of color, are being affected by the political state of our country. One reason being that ICE is taking away kids’ parents, leaving them with no one to take care of them.”
A junior, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “We’re not far off from being adults. I think it’s good that they were willing to use that right to use their voice, and I don’t think that’s wrong. I think you should protest what you want.” However, they added, “It’s just something I wouldn’t protest personally.”
Della Taylor, Staff Writer
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