With the volatile political climate that we encounter today, it is hard to avoid the bigger issues that plague our society more than ever. One of these controversial topics is the Immigration Customs Enforcement, better known as I.C.E., and how they have been operating within the past year since the start of the new presidency.
On Feb. 11, students from Fort Zumwalt East met outside their school after release and took their voices down to City Hall to protest I.C.E.
This was announced about two weeks before the event, where details were posted online, including a line at the end saying, “this is school supported, there will be no punishment for those who participate.” Some people assumed the school or district had a role in organizing it, leading many parents and community members to ask questions of the school.
The school sent an email to the parents stating that they had heard of the event and explaining the school’s position. They stated that the day that was chosen was an early release day, so it would not interfere with their classes.
They worked with the district to ensure student safety and protocols while students were still on campus. The email finished by saying they advised the students participating to listen to others and engage respectfully with those who may have differing opinions.
Laura Wagner, director of communications in the district, said that while the students are gathering on school grounds, it does not impede their class times, and it is not conducted on school grounds.
“Our students are working together on this, and it will be an after-school activity.” Wagner said, “And of course, with many of our after-school things, they’re going to meet after school, but then they will be leaving campus.”
Students began gathering outside the school after the final bell rang and lined up along the sidewalk with signs and U.S. flags in support. Students who participated used their platform as a voice for change. Some students chose to engage in counterprotesting to try to discourage students, including a couple of trucks that drove by sporting Trump and U.S. flags behind them.
About 150-200 students began the march to the city hall, all with unique signs. As they walked, they began to chant “When I say ice, you say out!”
A source who prefers to remain anonymous said of the students, “I hope to see them use their voices to go register and vote so they can create some big change.”
St. Peter’s Police Department officers followed the group to ensure safety and keep the situation calm and under control.
This protest at Fort Zumwalt East does not appear to be the lone walkout in the St. Louis area, as there are reports that on Friday, Feb. 6, Lafayette, Marquette, and Parkway South high schools also conducted their own I.C.E. protests.
At this moment, there are no other planned protests in the St. Louis area.
