San Antonio high school students are taking a stand against the Trump administration's immigration policies with a spate of walkouts and protests that have involved nearly a thousand youths. Most recently, 1,000 students from South San Antonio High School left their classrooms in an organized walkout that took place on campus. The action was part of a larger movement by young activists seeking to voice their dissent against what they see as unjust measures targeting immigrants and other marginalized communities.
Organizer and 17-year-old student Juan Rodriguez led the South San walkout, saying "This is going against our civil rights," as reported by KSAT. Two weeks into his term, President Trump has already signed an expansive slew of executive orders and lifted restrictions on where federal agents can enforce immigration policies, prompting Rodriguez and many others to act.
A separate, off-campus demonstration took place outside San Antonio City Hall, drawing at least a hundred people. Sixteen-year-old Frida Renovato organized the city hall protest, urging their peers not to be silenced by adults. "Don't let people or adults tell you that you don't know what you're talking about. You matter. We are the future, so don't let people shut you down," Renovato stated, as told to TPR. This protest coincided with national demonstrations under the 50501 Movement, all of which were gearing responses to the same presidential policies.
While the administration of South San Antonio High School was aware of the protest and endorsed the students' right to express their opinions, consequences for leaving campus without permission differed from school to school. Laura Short, a spokeswoman for SAISD, indicated that such departures are violations of the student code, and repercussions are at the discretion of the principal. She expressed a preference for protests to be conducted outside school hours and with parental supervision, a sentiment not shared by all involved. According to TPR, "We are grateful the protest remained peaceful and safe," said SAISD in a statement.
These protests reflect a broader pattern in which the San Antonio youth are asserting their place in the political discourse and shaping the narrative around civil and human rights. With ongoing discussions and rallies, such as a "Know Your Rights" gathering at Milam Park organized by community members and reported by KSAT.
