Startling truth: planned student walkouts over immigration enforcement are stirring debate at Wissahickon High School. A social media post claimed students would walk out on February 26 at 11:55 a.m., gathering outside the football field, with the provocative line, “We are skipping our lessons to teach you one.”
Principal Dr. Lynne E. Blair responded with a clear, structured message to families, outlining that the school does not endorse or support the walkout and that participating students would receive an unexcused absence and could not make up the missed work. This stance aligns with how many other high schools handle student-initiated demonstrations during the school day.
Blair expressed appreciation for the students’ passion and courage, while emphasizing the district’s priority: preserve safety, order, and an effective learning environment. She stated the administration hopes to meet with the student organizers to understand their aims and to explore alternative options that allow students to express themselves without compromising safety or the instructional day.
To address safety, Blair noted that security personnel and safety specialists would implement a supervision plan for those who choose to participate. She also cautioned that since the walkout had already been publicly promoted, there are factors beyond the school’s immediate supervision. She urged careful consideration before deciding to participate.
Here is Blair’s full message to families:
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
