ATLANTA — Students at dozens of schools across metro Atlanta plan to walk out of class Friday in protest of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, despite warnings from school officials.
The demonstrations coincide with a nationwide “National Shutdown” called in response to last week’s fatal shooting of Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti by federal agents. Students say the walkouts are meant to draw attention to concerns about violence and ongoing actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the current administration.
According to the Atlanta chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, more than 75 schools across metro Atlanta have confirmed participation in Friday’s walkouts. Organizers say the events are intended to be peaceful shows of solidarity, with students chanting slogans such as “stand up, fight back” during the demonstrations.
Despite these plans, officials in several counties — including DeKalb, Cobb, Cherokee, and Calhoun — have warned students that leaving class could result in disciplinary action. Cobb school officials, for example, noted in a letter to parents that participation could impact college admissions or future employment opportunities.
Student organizers, however, remain undeterred. Leilani Garcia, a student at Woodstock High School, told FOX 5, “This isn’t about disrupting learning time. This is about speaking out.” Joseph Rivera, a junior at Hillgrove High School, said, “This could be a teaching moment for everyone, and Cobb is deciding to threaten students instead of teaching them about protesting and our First Amendment rights.”
The walkouts are part of a growing wave of student activism across the country, as young people continue to find their voices in response to national policy decisions they see as unjust. Organizers in metro Atlanta expect strong participation and say the demonstrations are meant to send a clear message of unity and resistance, while remaining peaceful and focused on civic engagement.