There was a recent social media post about a planned walkout of Wissahickon High School students to protest ICE. According to the social media post, the walkout is planned for February 26th at 11:55 a.m. and the students are to meet outside the football field. The post proclaims that, “We are skipping our lessons to teach you one.”

Wissahickon High School Principal Dr. Lynne E. Blair sent an email to the school’s families that addressed the planned walkout and how Wissahickon School District policies will impact those who participate.

Blair stated that while she recognizes the “passion, conviction, and courage our students,” the walkout is not endorsed or supported by the school and that students who participate will be given an unexcused absence and unable to make up the work. This is similar to how other high schools have addressed walkouts.

Blair went on to stated that she hopes to “have an opportunity to meet with the student organizers to better understand their intentions and explore options that will allow students to express their views in ways that prioritize safety and uphold our responsibility to maintain an orderly and productive school environment.”

In a paragraph addressed directly to the school’s families, Blair offered that the school’s security personnel and safety specialists will establish a supervision plan for students who choose to participate in the walkout. She went on to stress that due to the walkout being pre-promoted there could be factors beyond the “school’s direct supervision” and that everyone should really consider whether to participate or not.

Below find the full text of the email from Blair:

I am writing to you with care, respect, and a deep sense of responsibility regarding a social media post indicating a student-organized plan for a walkout during the school day to express support for immigrant families in response to immigration enforcement activity across the nation.

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the passion, conviction, and courage our students often demonstrate when they care deeply about an issue. Civic engagement is an important part of learning and growing. At the same time, my role as Principal requires me to ensure that WHS remains a safe, structured, and respectful learning environment for all students. This is not a school-approved event. As a public school leader, I cannot endorse or support a walkout. My responsibility is to uphold district policies consistently and fairly while protecting the integrity of the instructional day.

It is important that students and families understand the following: If a student chooses to leave the building during the school day to participate in the walkout, they will be considered to be cutting class. The absence will be marked as unexcused, and any work completed during the time they are out of class will not be eligible for credit. These consequences are not a reflection of agreement or disagreement with the cause; they are the standard response to leaving school without permission during instructional time.

WHS Students — I believe in you. I believe in your ability to think critically, to stand up for what you believe in, and to create positive change. Leadership also involves thoughtful decision-making about how and when to act. I ask you to reflect carefully on how to have your voice heard in ways that protect your well-being and the well-being of your peers. I hope to have an opportunity to meet with the student organizers to better understand their intentions and explore options that will allow students to express their views in ways that prioritize safety and uphold our responsibility to maintain an orderly and productive school environment.

WHS Families — thank you for your partnership and for the ongoing conversations you have at home about civic engagement, responsibility, and safety. Our school will remain a place where all students are respected, supported, and encouraged to engage thoughtfully with the world around them. My door is always open to students who wish to discuss their concerns or ideas for constructive action. As with any situation involving potential unauthorized student movement during the school day, we will coordinate with our security personnel and safety specialists to establish a supervision plan for students who choose to participate in this walkout. Because this event has been publicly shared in advance, there may be factors beyond the school’s direct supervision once students leave school. For that reason, I strongly encourage students to think carefully about their personal safety and academic responsibilities before making a decision to participate in the walk-out.

Our highest priority is always the safety and well-being of our students. I encourage students to consider constructive ways to make their voices heard, such as organizing forums, engaging in respectful dialogue, writing to elected officials, volunteering, or participating in civic education opportunities. These approaches can create meaningful impact while ensuring safety and continued academic engagement.

Respectfully,

Lynne E. Blair, Ed.D.
Principal
Wissahickon High School

Photo: Facebook