Demonstrators clash with ICE in Minneapolis, intensifying protests
Protests intensified in Minneapolis as thousands of people clashed with ICE over enforcement tactics following a fatal shooting.
Thousands of students in Georgia plan to walk out of class on Friday to protest the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
But Atlanta-area school districts have issued warnings of disciplinary action against students who leave class to participate.
The protests are part of the “National Shutdown,” an organized event that asks Americans to skip school, stay home from work, stay home and not shop to show their anger at ICE operations in Minneapolis and across the country. The event was organized by a coalition of student organizations.
“The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the rest of the country. To end ICE’s reign of terror, we must stop,” the event’s website states. “Friday, January 30th is a no-school, no-work, no-shopping day nationwide. Vote no to ICE funding.”
More than 100 Georgia schools scheduled to participate
More than 100 schools in Georgia are scheduled to participate in today’s walkout, according to a list maintained by the Socialist Liberation Party of Atlanta.
Dismissals were scheduled throughout the day and were scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. at Stevenson High School in DeKalb County. Some schools have specific dismissal times, while others say students will leave “after third period” or at another transition time during the day.
The walkout is planned primarily for high schools, but universities including Agnes Scott University, Emory University, GSU Atlanta, GSU Armstrong and the University of Georgia are also expected to protest.
PSL Atlanta’s complete list of participating schools can be found here.
Some schools in Georgia began a walkout earlier this week.
PSL Atlanta will also hold a statewide demonstration on January 30 at 5 p.m. at 3360 Buford Highway NE in northeast Atlanta.
Atlanta area schools threaten disciplinary action
Students in many districts will be speaking out against their schools if they choose to skip class on Friday.
Atlanta-area school districts, including Cobb County and DeKalb County Schools, warned students that they could face disciplinary action if they violated school policies.
“Students have the right to free expression, but that expression must be done in a way that does not interfere with instruction or jeopardize the safety of themselves or others,” the interim superintendent of DeKalb County Schools said in a letter shared by Dekatrish.
A school spokesperson later said outlet administrators were concerned about safety and principals were meeting with students to “clearly communicate these expectations and outline safe on-campus alternatives designed to support student voice while maintaining campus safety and instruction.”
In a message shared by Cobb County Schools, officials said, “Anyone who violates the code of conduct, including leaving class, skipping class, leaving authorized areas, truancy, and/or disrupting the school day, will be disciplined according to district policy.”
These range from out-of-school suspensions to loss of school privileges such as parking, sports, and extracurricular activities. Cobb County warned students that this could affect college admissions and future employment.
“Teachers and principals are focused on teaching and learning. While we respect students’ right to express their opinions in a non-disruptive manner, students are expected to remain engaged in class and learning throughout the school day,” the district said.
Similar messages were reported in public schools in Cherokee and Calhoun counties.
Eileen Wright is an Atlanta Connect reporter for USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. X Find her at @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
