Einstein Holds Student Walkout In Protest Against ICE Activity

By Valerie Merkowitz

On Wednesday, Feb. 18, Einstein students held a walkout to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. Although it started in the bus loop outside the school building, the walkout ended up making its way up University Boulevard towards the Wheaton Mall.

The walkout was organized by Einstein Students FAIR (For Asylum and Immigrant Rights) and was posted about on their account the day prior. It was not widely spread, and there was a lot of confusion among students on the details of the walkout or if it was even happening at all. Although the walkout was not strongly advertised, in the end, many people participated. 

Another main announcement of the walkout occurring came from an email from Principal Mark Brown telling the school that a walkout would be taking place during fifth period in the bus loop. Administration made it clear that they did not want students leaving the bus loop and that students should comply with their expectations, as the administrators were to be present to supervise the event. 

The walkout started quite chaotically as students gathered in the busloop. Some students attempted to lead chants, though not many students were participating in said chants. There was confusion about what was going on, and the leaders were not heard by the whole group. 

After some time, some students started walking away from the building, and everyone followed. The students walked down Newport Mill Road and turned onto University Boulevard, continuing to walk with many drivers honking their horns in support along the way. Administrators, security, and the school’s community engagement officer followed the group, making sure they were safe and staying off the roads. 

When the students reached West Avenue, senior administrator Aliciamarie Johnson started ushering them to turn and head back to school. Most students followed instructions, going back to class, while a few kept walking. Later that evening, Brown sent a letter to students and families addressing and expressing concern about some of the students' actions at the walkout. 

He stated in his letter that students who “ignored directives to return to school” will have their families contacted. 

However, many students felt that the original plan would have been very limiting in impact. Senior Anna Taft, who attended the walkout, said, “I understand that there was an agreement that was not properly followed through, but I think with the amount of people that left and returned at a reasonable time for where they went was safely executed.” 

While Brown was upset about some of the actions during the walkout because of the safety risks they presented, he and the rest of the administration showed support for the walkout and for students using their voices to support important causes. Overall, students felt that the walkout was poorly advertised and run, however it ended up getting a good turnout and lots of support from the community.