Call to Action from the Washington County Republican Committee
Ross Little, WCRC Chair
Marla Pearson, WCRW President
Recent reports indicate that high school students were allowed to leave class during instructional time to participate in a political protest related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This raises concerns about instructional time, campus safety, parental notification, and the responsibility of public schools to remain politically neutral.
It’s time to speak up.
If high school students were permitted to walk out of class to protest ICE, parents and community members deserve answers. We respectfully encourage parents and community members to contact their local high school or school district administrators to request clarification. All communication should remain courteous and professional, with the goal of transparency and accountability.
Suggested Phone Call or Email Script (with Question Prompts):
“Good morning/afternoon. My name is ___, and I am a parent/resident and taxpayer. I have questions regarding minor students leaving class to participate in a political protest during the school day.”
“Did students leave campus grounds to participate in the protest, or did the protest take place on school property?”
“Who organized or coordinated the protest? Was it student-led, school-sponsored, or organized by an outside group?”
“Were parents/guardians notified in advance that students would be leaving class or campus?”
“What policies apply to students leaving campus without permission, and were there any consequences for students who violated those policies?”
“Did any teachers or school staff attend the protest during work hours?”
“Were teachers or staff permitted to wear political symbols, clothing, or colors such as ‘orange shirts’ in support of the protest during the school day?”
“What steps are being taken to ensure instructional time is protected and that political neutrality is maintained moving forward?”
“Given the widespread publication of photos and videos of the protest on social media and in news coverage, were parental consent and media release forms secured for all underage students who were photographed or recorded?”
“Will students with an opposite viewpoint be allowed to organize similar protests?”
“Who decides to allow a day of protest for a specific cause?”
