Students walk-out of GISH in protest of ICE

GRAND ISLAND - Students from Grand Island Senior High held a student organized walk-out Monday in protest of ICE-related activities. Approximately 150 students participated in the walkout that began at the high school and eventually ended up on Webb Road. 

GIPS released a statement from an incident that occurred later in the day

We are writing to share information regarding an incident that occurred earlier today involving some high school age students. 

A group of approximately 150 Grand Island Senior High students participated in a peaceful "walk-out" to express their perspectives on current events.  When we learned about the student planned demonstration, our GISH Administration Team were proactive in sharing communication about expectations and absences with families, students, and staff both last week and earlier today. 

The “walk-out” started around 1:25 p.m. this afternoon with the students leaving campus, by their choice, on foot.  We believe their intention was to walk through various areas of the Grand Island community and raise more awareness around their message.  

At school dismissal time, a small group of students who participated in the “walk-out” were peacefully gathering with their signs on College Street across the street from West Lawn Elementary.  It’s important to note that these students were following the law and were off-campus. 

While there, a community patron approached the group. The patron engaged in a verbal argument with the students which unfortunately escalated into a physical altercation.

Again, it is important to emphasize that this incident did not take place on school grounds.

The Grand Island Police Department (GIPD) intervened in the physical altercation to de-escalate the situation. GIPD is investigating the situation and will be handling all legal proceedings regarding the physical incident. 

We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the GIPD for their quick response and their ongoing, supportive partnership in keeping our students safe, both inside and outside our school walls.

We are disappointed that one small moment of this “walk-out” demonstration ended in angry arguing and physical altercations.  We as a community must remember that our students are watching us and that we are in the work of caring for each other together.  

It is important for us to remember, our students – staff, families, and community members alike – all have lived experiences that shape who we are.  Engaging in violent arguments does not solve our problems but rather amplifies them.  We wish better for our students and we wish better for our community. 

We will continue to provide support services at the high school level for any students who may have been impacted by today’s events.

All questions regarding the investigation may be directed to the Grand Island Police Department.

Two students, Keylin Salazar, a senior and Edwin Garcia, a former student both explained in an interview below why they participated in the walk-out, thoughts on the climate in the United States, ICE and more.