D308 Addresses High School ICE Protests: 'We Respect And Acknowledge Students' First Amendment Rights'

OSWEGO, IL — As Oswego and Oswego East high schools plan walkouts protesting the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Oswego Community Unit School District 308 administrators said they are committed to fostering student voice and advocacy.

In a letter emailed to families Thursday, Superintendent Andalib Khelghati said the district is aware of fliers and social media posts indicating Oswego High School is promoting a walkout Friday afternoon from campus to downtown Oswego, while Oswego East High School is planning one Feb. 13.

"We want to clarify that neither the District administration nor any High School administration or staff has organized, sanctioned, or promoted a walkout," Khelghati wrote.

Read the superintendent's full letter:

Dear Families,

The District has received reports of a possible student protest or walkout planned at both high schools. We have been made aware of social media posts and paper flyers being circulated by students. At this time, social media posts indicate that Oswego High School students will walk out tomorrow afternoon, Friday, February 6, from campus to Downtown Oswego. Oswego East students have promoted a walkout on the afternoon of Friday, February 13.

We want to clarify that neither the District administration nor any High School administration or staff has organized, sanctioned, or promoted a walkout.

Our primary concern is the safety and supervision of all students. If a student leaves the high school campus during the school day, the District and the school cannot be responsible for their safety once they are off campus. For students who choose to gather outdoors on school grounds, standard safety measures will remain in place, including supervision of the area.

We respect and acknowledge students' First Amendment rights to express their views and are committed to fostering student voice and advocacy. However, it is important for students and families to understand that any time a student is absent from class, standard school attendance policies apply. Students who leave school for a walkout will be considered unexcused, and appropriate consequences may follow in accordance with student rights and responsibilities.

If students leave campus and later return, they must re-enter through the main entrance and complete check-in procedures before accessing the building.

We encourage families to speak with their students about exercising their voice and advocating for what they believe in, while doing so safely and making responsible choices.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.