Central Bucks Students Reportedly Planning Walkouts To Protest ICE

DOYLESTOWN, PA —. Students at several schools in the Central Bucks School District are reportedly planning walkouts on Monday to protest ICE and the unjust treatment of immigrants in the United States, according to social media posts.

The school district on Thursday said it is aware of the potential walkouts and has sent information home to parents at CB West, CB East, Holicong Middle School and Lenape Middle School to "clarify expectations" of students whenever school is in session.

"Student walkouts are not endorsed or sponsored by the school or district," the district said in its email. "Students are expected to be in the school building engaged in learning and following their normal schedules and school policies during the school day. Teachers and staff are expected to continue their responsibilities as they would during a normal instructional day, and classes will take place as scheduled."

With that said, the district said if a student leaves the building or campus during the school day, school staff cannot physically restrain them from doing so.

"Our priority is maintaining a safe, orderly, and focused learning environment," the district said. "Leaving class and school during the instructional day without appropriate authorization will result in an unexcused absence."

The district said it is preparing for the possiblity of walkouts at several of its schools by implementing additional safety and security measures to help ensure student safety while on campus.

"We have been in ongoing communication and coordination with local law enforcement, and they are aware and prepared to assist if needed. During the event, measures will be taken to prohibit all individuals who are not students or staff members from accessing campus," the district said.

"We recognize that students hold a wide range of views and retain First Amendment rights while at school. At the same time, schools may enforce reasonable rules to prevent substantial disruption to the educational environment and to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff."

Student walkouts have taken place at schools throughout the county, including Pennsbury and Pennridge.

A student walk out last Friday at the Quakertown Community School District turned violent when around 35 students left school and walked downtown where a confrontation look place with police. Five students were arrested as a result of the incident.