Woodbridge High School in Virginia has taken disciplinary action after 303 students were issued three-day suspensions for leaving campus during an anti-ICE walkout.
According to school officials, the issue was not solely about the protest itself, but about students leaving school grounds without permission. Reports indicate that participants walked more than two miles to a nearby shopping center during school hours.
Administrators stated that while they respect students’ rights to express their views, leaving campus without authorization is considered a serious safety violation under the district’s Code of Behavior. School leaders emphasized that supervision and student safety are primary responsibilities during instructional hours.
The incident occurred as part of a broader “national day of action,” with similar demonstrations reported in other parts of the country. In some areas, officials noted concerns about unsupervised students crossing busy roads or gathering in public spaces without school oversight.
The suspensions have sparked debate among parents and community members. Some argue the discipline was necessary to reinforce safety rules. Others believe the response may have been too harsh, given the political nature of the demonstration.
As schools across the country continue navigating student activism, the balance between expression and campus safety remains a challenging issue.