More than a hundred McNeil High School students walked out of class in Round Rock on Friday afternoon, marching off campus to the corner of McNeil Drive and Parmer Lane to protest recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The midday demonstration kicked off shortly after 2 p.m., part of a wave of student-led protests that has rolled across Central Texas since late January.
Students who joined the walkout chanted, marched, and hoisted handmade signs at the intersection as a stream of passing cars responded with honks of support, according to CBS Austin. The group remained off campus while classes continued inside the school.
State officials have moved quickly to respond. Earlier this week, the Texas Education Agency issued guidance instructing districts to mark students absent if they leave during instructional time for a walkout. The agency also warned that educators or districts that facilitate protests could face investigations or sanctions.
Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have already zeroed in on Austin ISD, announcing probes after earlier demonstrations and accusing the district of helping students skip school. In response, Austin ISD’s general counsel wrote that “short of physically restraining students, we cannot stop them from leaving campus,” as recounted by the Austin Chronicle.
Legal and disciplinary risks
The TEA bulletin spells out the stakes for everyone involved. Students who walk out during class are to be counted absent, and districts that “allow or encourage” walkouts risk losing daily attendance funding. The agency also states that teachers who facilitate protests could face action against their licenses, and districts found in violation may be placed under additional state oversight, including the appointment of a monitor or conservator, according to the release.
Round Rock ISD response
Round Rock ISD notified families this week that the demonstrations are student-led and not sponsored by the district, and reminded staff they are not allowed to participate in or facilitate walkouts. The district also stressed that employees should prioritize student safety and that students who stay in class will be marked present, according to Round Rock ISD.
Across Central Texas, similar student protests have been largely peaceful, though some have led to altercations and arrests in other locations. State agencies say they will follow up on complaints. Local districts now have to walk a tightrope, balancing students’ First Amendment rights with attendance rules and safety protocols as state officials weigh their next moves, reporting by KUT shows.
