On Tuesday, Jan. 27, students from Rancho Cucamonga High School participated in a walkout protesting ICE. Around 200 students participated in the protest by walking out of class at 1:15 p.m., meeting in the quad before leaving campus. The protest included students from Etiwanda and Alta Loma High School, with the goal of joining together to peacefully protest ICE.
“It’s to protest ICE, you know, killing people, innocent people, deporting US citizens,” junior Noi Barnes said during the protest.
Earlier that day, RCHS principal Mr. Azande Aikens sent out an official email to staff and parents stating that the school does not organize or endorse political activity. However, the school recognizes students’ First Amendment rights to voice their opinion as long as it doesn’t break school code or compromise safety.
After the protest, Aikens sent another email stating that students participated in a peaceful walkout not related or planned by the school in any way. In the email, Aikens added that students who left campus will receive an automated call to their families since students are still expected to follow school rules related to attendance.
“Our priority remains student safety and maintaining a respectful, supportive learning environment,” Aikens said.
Before the protest took place, Ms. Alyssa Castro, Assistant Principal of Achievement, shared safety concerns.
“The first thing I would say is to follow the directions of the administration because we have provided support for students to exercise their First Amendment rights,” Castro said. “If students do leave the campus, we plan on having administrative support with them to make sure that they’re safe. And then of course we have to support them on campus as well.”
During the protest, students walked down Rochester Avenue, then continued onto Baseline Road. From there, students proceeded to Day Creek Boulevard and Foothill Boulevard at around 2:45 p.m. Students from RCHS joined with students from Etiwanda High School and continued the protest together.
“[Our purpose for protesting is] to support all immigrants and all the people who came to this country. They need support,“ sophomore Cal Puffer said.
Police cars drove slowly along the side of the protest to ensure safety, control traffic, and make sure students stayed on the sidewalk. Aikens walked with students, joined by other officials from both Rancho and Etiwanda High School, to help supervise and maintain a safe environment throughout the protest for all participating students.
To prepare for the protest, many students brought signs to help spread the message. Many students used anything they could find to make signs and support their cause. Some students used the cardboard lunch trays, Cheez-its boxes, school notebooks, and poster board.
The walk-out ended around 4:30 p.m., though some students remained in the area until later hours of the night, with school officials staying on site to supervise.
The event at RCHS reflects the growing trend of student activism on immigration and civil rights issues.
“What I will say is, regardless of beliefs, I will always support students sharing what their beliefs are and standing up for it, and doing so peacefully,” Castro said.
