URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Urbana High School students will join nationwide protests on Friday, Jan. 26, by walking out of school to express opposition to actions taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection over the past year.
The Urbana High School Student Council organized the event in response to the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and will lead students from the school at 11:40 a.m. The group will walk up Broadway to the Champaign County Courthouse Plaza, arriving around 11:50 a.m.
Victoria Lleras, freshman class president, said the walkout is meant to show solidarity and raise awareness. “I believe that a threat to some is a threat to all,” she said. “We must stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Even as high schoolers, it is so important to raise awareness and make it known we will not sit by and watch this in compliance.”
Molly Dougan, student council press secretary, said students are tired of hearing about “the horrific crimes ICE is committing every day.” She added that if even one student speaking out can make a difference, then the collective action could help change the system.
Student council president Jada Wisdom said the walkout is important even in a small community. “It’s good to see my peers as well as teachers speak up and fight against the violence we have seen,” she said, referring to reports from Minneapolis and elsewhere.
The Urbana High School Student Council is made up of students elected by their peers and organizes school events and community service projects, including the annual Thanksgiving Dinner. The group said the walkout is intended to demonstrate that students are engaged and willing to speak out on issues affecting their community and the country.