Students at Saint Augustine Preparatory Academy in Milwaukee walked out of school on Friday to protest the ongoing immigration crackdown, despite the school’s warning of unexcused absences and potential disciplinary actions. In a letter sent to students, Principal Jack Wallace wrote, “We deeply understand the importance and urgency of this issue and the desire for action. At Aug Prep, our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our students. We cannot condone or support a student walk-out.”School officials cited supervision challenges and safety risks when students leave the private school’s grounds as reasons for not permitting the walkout. The email also stated that students who choose to walk out will receive an unexcused absence and may face additional disciplinary action.A parent, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed surprise at the school’s handling of the situation, saying, “I was really surprised, honestly, about how they were handling the situation.”The parent also felt the school’s actions suppressed free speech, stating, “I think they were suppressing their voices.”The parent acknowledged the importance of safety but criticized the school’s approach, saying, “Safety is important to them, but also they are prohibiting them from expressing themselves.”The parent noted the strict attendance policy at the school, explaining, “Absences at this school are very strict. You could lose your seat as a student if you are absent for a certain number of times.”
Students at Saint Augustine Preparatory Academy in Milwaukee walked out of school on Friday to protest the ongoing immigration crackdown, despite the school’s warning of unexcused absences and potential disciplinary actions.
In a letter sent to students, Principal Jack Wallace wrote, “We deeply understand the importance and urgency of this issue and the desire for action. At Aug Prep, our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our students. We cannot condone or support a student walk-out.”
School officials cited supervision challenges and safety risks when students leave the private school’s grounds as reasons for not permitting the walkout.
The email also stated that students who choose to walk out will receive an unexcused absence and may face additional disciplinary action.
A parent, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed surprise at the school’s handling of the situation, saying, “I was really surprised, honestly, about how they were handling the situation.”
The parent also felt the school’s actions suppressed free speech, stating, “I think they were suppressing their voices.”
The parent acknowledged the importance of safety but criticized the school’s approach, saying, “Safety is important to them, but also they are prohibiting them from expressing themselves.”
The parent noted the strict attendance policy at the school, explaining, “Absences at this school are very strict. You could lose your seat as a student if you are absent for a certain number of times.”