Christy Fidura
It has come to our attention that students from four D60 high schools, one D60 middle school, and one D70 high school are planning to participate in an Anti-ICE walkout on Thursday, February 12.
While D60 has notified parents that these walkouts are not school-organized events, the only stated consequence for participation has been an unexcused absence. As parents and community stakeholders, we believe this response is insufficient given the potential risks to student safety and school liability during school hours.
Student safety is the responsibility of school administration during the instructional day. Allowing students to leave campus without meaningful deterrence creates avoidable risks. Should harm come to any student, or property damage occur as a result of these walkouts, responsibility will rest with school administrations for failing to take reasonable preventative measures.
Therefore, we, the undersigned parents and stakeholders, respectfully demand that stronger disciplinary actions be clearly communicated and enforced to deter participation. These consequences should include, but not be limited to:
Out-of-school suspension
Removal from participation in school activities and events
Ineligibility for extracurricular programs, including athletic team participation
We expect district and school leadership to take proactive steps to ensure student safety and to uphold school policies during school hours. Failure to do so, particularly if a student is harmed during these walkouts, will result in parents and stakeholders pursuing appropriate legal action.
We urge immediate action and clear communication to families prior to February 12.
