Kilgore High School gave local parents a heads-up Wednesday morning ahead of a rumored walkout students are considering in protest of ICE.
Per rules set down at the state-level, students may receive an unexcused absence and subsequent discipline in the event of a walkout.
According to a message from KHS Principal Otis Amy Feb. 11, “KHS has received information that some of our students are discussing a potential walk-out this week to protest US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations occurring at locations throughout our country.”
With similar instances elsewhere across the nation and state, Texas officials preemptively advised school districts ahead of such activities.
“In regards to these student walk-outs, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has sent out the following information to Texas school districts concerning potential student absences and educator responsibilities,” Amy wrote in today’s notice to parents, passing on TEA’s guidance on walkouts. “TEA reminds school administrators that students are not free to engage in any type of speech that disrupts the school learning environment.
“Schools have the obligation to ensure students attend school and therefore students must face local school consequences for their actions during the school day… including potentially being assigned an unexcused absence for any class that may be missed and any subsequent discipline that may be appropriate because of that unexcused absence.”
Amy used the mid-morning message to thank parents and guardians in advance for their cooperation.
“We appreciate your support in reinforcing the importance of regular attendance and maintaining a focused learning environment for all students. If you have questions regarding attendance policies, please contact the Kilgore High School administration.”
