A Virginia high school suspended more than 300 teens who ditched class and stormed off campus during a student-led anti-ICE walkout last week, according to reports.
Woodbridge High School handed three-day suspensions to 303 students who walked out of class last Friday to “express their views” and protest federal immigration enforcement, principal Dr. Heather Abney told parents in a letter obtained by 7 News.
The demonstration, which was not backed by Prince William County Public Schools, eventually spilled off school grounds and onto the streets, forcing local police to manage traffic and oversee the hundreds of rebel students involved.
In the letter, Abney noted that while walkouts allow students to voice their opinions on issues “important to them,” leaving campus without permission during school hours violates district rules.
Some students reportedly went home after the protest, others headed to a nearby shopping center, and several returned to campus — where a few caused a disturbance.
“We appreciate your partnership as we continue to prioritize student safety while maintaining clear expectations for appropriate conduct during the school day,” she wrote, Fox News Digital reported.
Despite the suspensions, students across the district are planning another walkout Friday, according to a student-led Instagram page focused on efforts to “abolish” US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A week-old post reassured participants that the administration is aware of the demonstration and that joining in would not get them in trouble.
“Welcome to Prince William County Schools ICE OUT,” the fiery post read, adding that “It’s time to take a stand.”
“As the walkout happening on Friday, February 20th will be county wide, it’s important to understand every campus has slightly different layouts and procedures, please stay alert for detailed instructions from us and your local student organizers regarding specific meetup spots,” the social media post rallied.
“Rest assured that all school administrations have been informed of our plans, so participating will not get you in trouble. Lastly, please share this post to your stories to help us spread the word, let’s make sure every school is represented!”
The account, dubbed pwcs_iceout, noted that the protest was not “approved or endorsed” by the district, urged students to bring signs and stay peaceful, and reminded them to stay on school grounds.