A wave of school walkouts took place across the country on Jan. 30 in protest of the recent activity of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Some South County students joined the nationwide movement, leaving their respective school buildings during school hours to protest.
Around 140 students from Affton High School participated, gathering in the parking lot at 12:40 p.m. on Jan. 30. AHS administration and staff supervised the walkout, “to ensure (students) could exercise their voices in a respectful and safe environment.” At 1:40 p.m., students returned inside and classes resumed.
Affton administration knew ahead of time that this walkout would occur, and leaders were in communication with parents about the plan for the day — a plan that included “supervision, instruction and attendance.”
“At Affton School District, we recognize that the purpose of our students’ peaceful demonstration was to participate in a national dialogue and raise awareness for issues of importance to them,” AHS principal George Calhoun stated in an email to parents on Jan. 30. “We view these moments as opportunities for students to engage in civic expression.”
In the email, Calhoun continued, “While we provided students the opportunity today to make their voices heard in a safe manner, we will move forward next week with the expectation that all students attend all classes and focus on their learning.”
AHS social studies teacher Tony Muyco rose at the Feb. 3 Affton Board of Education meeting to speak during public comment. He commended both students and staff for how the walkout was handled, saying it was “a significant improvement” from student demonstrations in the past.
“I just want to take this moment to commend Affton High School for how last Friday’s walkout was handled,” Muyco said. “As a government teacher, I was incredibly proud of our students for exercising their constitutional rights, and most importantly, for doing it with so much respect. They respected the rights of those who chose to participate in the walkout and those who chose to remain in the classroom.”
Muyco added that he was impressed with AHS administrators for being “proactive” with open communication between students, staff and parents.
On Feb. 6, Affton students at Rogers Middle School led their own walkout from 1 – 1:45 p.m. According to the district, this walkout drew approximately 200 students, and once again, there was staff supervision.
After this walkout, an email sent from the district to parents stated, “As we move forward, it’s important to note that any future unplanned disruptions to the school day will be addressed in accordance with the established Student Code of Conduct and discipline policy.”
Though the Bayless and Hancock Place school districts did not respond to The Call’s request for comment, photos and videos on social media show students from both districts participating in their own walkouts. In social media posts, it was written that the walkout “was not sponsored or endorsed by the Hancock Place School District;” posts regarding the Hancock Place walkout quickly filled up with hundreds of comments both for and against the demonstration.
According to Lindbergh Schools’ chief communications officer Beth Johnston, Lindbergh schools were not in session on Jan. 30 when the majority of walkouts took place. It was a professional learning day for the district.
Mehlville School District’s chief communications officer Jessica Pupillo says that she is not aware of any walkouts that happened in that timeframe, nor has she heard of any that are being planned.
