Thursday, Feb. 12, some SCHS students participated in a walkout to support immigrants in the US.

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been a rising topic in schools and work places throughout the country. Many schools in the area, such as Francis Howell North, Francis Howell Central and Kirkwood High School have participated in peaceful walkouts as a protest against ICE. 

Feb. 6, the Friday before the walkout occurred, two students approached Principal Ted Happel to inform him there was conversation in a senior class group chat about a possible walkout. The St. Charles School District has procedures set in place regarding responsibilities of parents, teachers, students and administrators, this way supervision was already set in place for students who chose to participate in the walkout. Students who participated and remained on campus returned inside school after about 20 minutes. These students received no disciplinary action. Students who may have left campus received some follow-up consequences of a couple detentions.

Prior to the day of the walkout, there was additional communication in the senior class group chat where they decided to fully cancel the walkout. Without much communication and organization from students to staff and even other grade levels, there were only about 40 students who actively participated in the walkout, most of them being underclassmen.

The overall outcome of the walkout went well as it wasn’t chaotic and gave people the opportunity to express their opinions.

“I think there were some kids who were really ready to express their opinion, and that’s completely fine and I appreciate them staying on campus so that we can make sure we monitor our own and make sure everybody is safe and they did a good job,” Happel said.

Freshman Yasmeen Issah participated in the walkout and feels strongly on educating others and speaking up for those who are unable.

 “There are so many people who have problems with ICE and they don’t have the voice to speak about it, but we have a voice and we are going to be out here and speak on that for them,” said Issah. “It’s not fair what they’re [ICE] doing to these kids, they come here for a better life and we treat them like they’re doing some type of criminal activities.”

Freshman Adrianna Hamilton participated in the walkout and believes that everyone should be treated equally no matter what their background is.

“The walk out meant being able to stand up with the right crowd of people who see the wrong doing in the world. It came from the heart knowing innocent people are being taken from what we call ‘one nation’ but still continue to separate everyone like we are not all equal,” Hamilton said. “I’m grateful they allowed us to use our voices and take new steps into a life we want to create. It was fun and I feel like a better me.”