Oak Park High School students protest ICE
*In the interest of protecting the identity of a source, a pseudonym is indicated by an asterisk
Over 250 Oak Park High School [OPHS] students walked out of their second period class and gathered together to protest against nationwide U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE] activity on Jan. 30. The walkout was planned after an anonymous Instagram account posted the day prior, stating, “OPHS WALKOUT TO THE GREAT LAWN FROM 11:00 TO 11:15 AM. THIS IS A PEACEFUL PROTEST AGAINST ICE,” according to the Oak Park Talon.
Mary Smith*, junior, is a student journalist at OPHS and was present at the protest. “Some people had made signs and people were saying chants like ‘No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.’ At some point a large circle formed and in the center, students took turns making speeches,” Smith said.
OPHS Principal Mathew McClenahan made a statement to the school before the 11 a.m. walkout. “During second period at around 10:40, there was an announcement made over the loudspeaker by our principal stating that students had the right to exercise their first amendment rights in a peaceful, civil manner,” Smith said. The protest lasted around 30 minutes, and all students returned to their classes to resume the regular school day before the end of their second period.
McClenahan also published a ParentSquare post to give parents and guardians an update after the protest. “Some students did engage in an exchange of views on the topic of immigration and the role of law enforcement, but the gathering remained peaceful and respectful throughout,” McClenahan said.
OPHS is among the several other schools in Ventura County where students have self-organized walkouts to participate in the national “ICE Out” strike on Jan. 30. “I think that peaceful protest is a key pillar of democracy, regardless of political opinion, and people should exercise their right to protest things that disagree with their values. I’m proud of the students at my school for doing so and standing up for what they believe in,” Smith said.
