Schaumburg High School students hold walkout to protest recent immigration enforcement actions
A large crowd of Schaumburg High School students walked out of their final period classes Tuesday to gather along Schaumburg Road in protest of recent federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and across the country.
The approximately 100 students included seniors who sacrificed their potential of avoiding final exams at the end of the semester by having a truancy on their records.
Among them was Mya McCurdy, who was the primary organizer following a discussion of recent events with her fellow theater students.
Her communication with administrators began after the fatal Jan. 7 shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis, but the walkout ultimately occurred just three days after the death of Alex Pretti, also shot by federal agents.
“Even when I started this, I wanted it to be the people who are afraid to speak out,” McCurdy said. “Like I was. When you overcome your fears to do something like this, it’s really impactful.”
She had further words for those who would dismiss the effort as that of kids without a true grasp of the issues.
“All of these people that are here, I know them,” she said. “They excel academically, and they’re emotionally mature.”
McCurdy said she collected more than 700 signatures on a petition, but wasn’t surprised that many wouldn’t be willing to take the penalty for their truancy.
Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 officials sent a letter to parents Tuesday clarifying the role the district does and doesn’t play regarding such actions.
“The safety, security and well-being of our students remain our top priority,” the letter reads. “District 211 does not promote, organize or endorse political agendas, demonstrations or student walkouts. However, as a public school district, we are legally required to respect students’ rights to peaceful expressions. Our role is to ensure appropriate supervision and safety, which should not be interpreted as endorsement of any activity or particular message.”