FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Tuesday, Fresno County students stepped out of the classroom and into the streets, once again protesting ICE activity across the country.
“I believe in standing up for everybody,” said Clovis High School senior Neaven Ward.
Ward was one of hundreds of Clovis Unified students spotted near Clovis and Shaw on Tuesday afternoon, while Fresno Unified students flooded City Hall in Downtown Fresno.
It comes just days after the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools shared a letter requesting an end to off-campus school walkouts.
“We are hopeful that families understand what we tried to convey in that letter, and that is that safety is the primary concern we have,” said County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michele Copher.
The request was signed by 10 districts, including Fresno, Clovis and Central Unified.
Dr. Copher told Action News the motion comes from a place of concern for student safety and is not an attempt to silence them.
“We recognize the seriousness of the moment we’re all in, and we really want to honor student voice,” Dr. Copher said.
That message was echoed by Fresno Unified Superintendent Misty Her, who said Tuesday that she’s already working with students on finding other forms of demonstration.
“I think what they’re looking for is they’re looking for a way in which to do it so that adults, especially our lawmakers and our policymakers, can really listen to them,” said Her.
A primary concern for Superintendent Her is what goes on during these unsupervised walkouts.
“Last week, I observed adults on the streets handing signs to our students that are not very appropriate, signs that have profanity on them,” she said.
Dr. Cofer also confirmed that such instances have been observed across multiple districts.
State law only allows one excused absence to participate in civic action per year.
The letter notes that this applies only when families send advanced notice and follow standard checkout procedures.
Still, students are not shying away.
“What matters to you is the question at hand here, and this is something that matters to me, and I’m willing to deal with whatever punishment comes with it,” Ward said.
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