RivCo High School Students Walk Out In Peaceful ICE Protest: 'My Test Got Moved So I Could Make History'

BEAUMONT, CA — At least 100 students at Beaumont High School participated in a student walkout on Wednesday, leaving campus to peacefully protest perceived abuses of power within the current administration and in Immigration and Customs Enforcement's activity across the country.

Students left school at approximately 11 a.m.. according to a letter obtained by Patch from the Beaumont Unified School District.

"School leaders are monitoring activities relating to the student-led walkout at Beaumont High School," the letter said. "No employee will be present off campus to supervise student activities."

"School schedules are continuing as normal. Any student who has left campus may not return unless they are checked in by a parent or guardian."

According to the district, the Beaumont Police Department was aware of the situation. While some students remained, many were picked up by parents, according to witnesses at the scene. All drivers in the area were asked to exercise caution.

The protest was planned in advance, and students were equipped with umbrellas, protest signs, balloons, and even a guitar. Many parents stayed to record the day, commemorating the event that drew hundreds out of class for an outdoor social studies experience.

At least one parent expressed they kept their child home from school today, knowing the walkout was planned, and others suggested students just "wanted out of class."

The reality of the day was a different story.

Over 100 students walked out, carried signs and chanted anti-ICE and anti-Trump sentiments, coming to stop in their peaceful display at the corner of Beaumont Avenue and a local grocery store, about two miles from the school.

"These students walked about two miles together to the local grocery store, carrying signs, standing peacefully, organized and respectful," Beaumont resident Juanita Hargreaves shared with Patch. "The teenagers coordinated this in a mature and thoughtful way. Grown adults haven't always managed ot protest with this level of composure."

Another mother shared a video of her daughter and other students walking out. "I gave (my daughter) permission to join! These (are) young humans out here, I support this movement!"

"A good majority of them stayed to protest," one parent said.

The students carried signs bearing thoughtful statements for the day:

"My Test Got Moved So I Could Make History," and

"Searched for Illegal Aliens, found humans. Searched for monsters, found ICE."

Another sign read:

"Every voice you silence, a thousand more will show up."

After sharing her photo of the students from across the street, Hargreaves also shared her thoughts on the day.

"People are so busy defending sides that we’ve forgotten how to see each other as human beings first. The fact that these kids can say, 'No more. This is our future,' and do it peacefully and respectfully, that’s powerful. That’s beautiful. And that deserves respect. You don't have to agree with them to acknowledge their courage. Remember, these are children."