'We want a change to happen.' L.A. County students walk out over ICE raids
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A different kind of bell sounded on Friday at many Southern California campuses — a call that beckoned students to walk out of school instead of into their next class as thousands joined protests in a national tide of demonstrations against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.Across many school districts — from Long Beach to Los Angeles to Pasadena — throngs of students skipped school or poured out of classrooms and cafeterias, joining cafe owners who had shut down for the day, parents who took time off from work to rally, and activists who have been marching for months.Walkouts — organized and sporadic — also took place at UCLA, USC and Cal State L.A.For many students, the immigration raids have been personal, affecting family or friends who are undocumented.
They have felt fear in their neighborhoods since mass detentions began in June — and were moved to act after recent violence in Minneapolis.Others said they were motivated to take classroom civics lessons to the streets.“There are times when protesting is more necessary than going to the classroom,” said Hart LippSmith, a junior from Sequoyah School in Pasadena, who led protesters in downtown Los Angeles with chants of “ICE out of L.A.,” while holding a megaphone.
California Schools across Southern California are facing steeper enrollment declines as Trump immigration enforcement actions discourage or prevent students from enrolling.Los Angeles public schools have moved to protect students and families, organizing safe passage routes to supervise travel to and from school.Educators have described a deep “climate of distress” at campuses over immigration enforcement.
Enrollment has dropped, in part fueled by fears of raids and deportations.School leaders and teachers had braced themselves for possible widespread disruptions.
In a letter to parents, Los Angeles Unified Supt.Alberto C...