On April 3, Westwood students gathered together during lunch in hopes of getting a message heard. A peaceful gathering in the aux gym where students made signs in protest of U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Unlike other walkouts that interrupt class time, this protest was carefully planned during lunch. Therefore, students wouldn’t miss out on any of their classes. Orgianzer Saree Richardson wanted to prove students can stand up for what is right while also putting their responsibilities first.
At the beginning of lunch, what started as a small group of students merged into a larger group walking from the auxiliary (aux) gym thorough the back of school then back where it finally ended back where it started, in the aux gym.
As more students noticed what was happening, the group began to grow. The energy shifted as more people joined, creating a sense of unity among students. Many students may have not know each other but they united for one shared purpose.
Teachers and staff remained nearby to supervise, ensuring that the event stayed safe and orderly. The staff also helped maintain a calm environment, allowing students to express themselves without conflict.
Organizer Saree Richardson wanted to make a statement while also respecting school rules. She made it clear she wanted their massages to be strong and loud.
Handmade signs filled the space with bold colors and messages calling out the mistreatment of ICE agents and the protection of immigrant families. Many of them were creative and meaningful, showing the effort and passion students put into the protest.
The protest remained peaceful throughout the entire lunch period. They left a clear path for others to move around and eat if they chose not to participate. This showed respect for everyone’s choices, even if they didn’t agree with the protest.
Some students who chose not to participate still took notice the protest and respected what students where doing and also the messages they wanted to get across.
protester Hannah Rose says as she talks about what protesting meant to her. Her words reflected on how many students felt.
In students’ eyes, the protest wasn’t about trying to look cool or follow a trend. But to get an important message across beyond the walls of the school. For many the protest wasn’t about one issue but also about how to use your voice in an impactful way. Students are learning how to stand up and make difference without violence.
Although the protest was over, there were challenges faced while trying to plan it. Organizer Saree Richardson shared.
Despite these obstacles, the students were able to come together and make the protest happen. The protest showed how powerful students voices can be when they come together. It was a statement about community, awareness, and standing up for what you truly believe in.
