As a longtime grassroots organizer and direct-action trainer, I have heard from multiple parents, in the past few days, asking me about what their children will be up against as they participate in the #NeverAgain walkouts this week. As most of us have read, some students will be treated gently by administrators, who have more or less decided to go with the flow. Some students, however, may face consequences for walking out. Many have already been menaced by saber-rattling administrators with consequences ranging from suspension to arrest. The threat of some potential penalty for participating in protest is nothing new, but for many students, this is a first-time experience, so I have decided to share some thoughts and advice for young people who may be walking out.
So, You've Been Told You'll Get Into Trouble
Some students have been told, in no uncertain terms, that anyone who walks out as part of a protest will be punished. Some school administrators have outlined specific punishments, while others have left students wondering. I have seen numerous outraged parents on social media, threatening to involve the ACLU if students are punished for exercising their "right to protest." I am glad these parents are being supportive of their children, but it's important to keep in mind that if the punishment is within the school's normal disciplinary code (check your student handbook), and a student has, in fact, broken the rule in question, the ACLU is not going to stave off that suspension. I'm not saying that's a reason not to walk out, but I am saying: Be ready to absorb the consequences of your actions. Don't expect the system to see the light, cut you a break, or dismiss the rules because of some higher law regarding free expression. As someone who has organized protests for many years now, I can tell you, that's not how any of this works.
In broad terms, people have a right to protest. But students don't have a legally protected right to leave school in protest of anything. Defiance for the sake of justice usually costs something. I am not saying students shouldn't dodge those consequences, if they can, or that parents and students shouldn't talk administrators out of punishing students who protest whenever possible. Do that. But let's also talk with young people who are new to all of this about the fact that protest doesn't just happen when everyone's on your side and you're being offered a hall pass. Most movements aren't received that way at all.
[For more on this story by Kelly Hayes, go to http://www.truth-out.org/opini...alking-out-of-school]
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