‘A Day Without Immigrants’ Students Protestors Suffer Consequences

Last Thursday, immigrants and their supporters marched in protest while others closed their businesses for “a day without immigrants.”

San Marcos High School had 20 students walk out of class on Thursday, Feb. 16. San Marcos CISD said some of the student protestors have been sent the district’s alternative education program, Rebound.

The students were punished according to the student code of conduct.

San Marcos High School students were encouraged by administration to address their issues on campus in the school courtyard during lunch. However, those who participated in the protest chose to leave campus instead.

SMCISD wasn’t the only district to have student protestors. Hays CISD’s Lehman High School had 150 students walk out of class in protest on Feb. 17; the protesters were escorted by the Kyle Police once they reached the road.

While staff allowed the student to exercise their right to free speech, district officials said those that participated broke several of the high school and district’s rules.

According to the statement Hays CISD released Friday, Feb. 17, the district hopes the students involved will use the incident as a learning experience.

Austin ISD teachers tweeted attendance numbers last Thursday; some reported 12 of their 36 students were present on the “day without immigrants.”