Pendleton High Students Protest ICE Actions with Walkout

On March 13, 2024, approximately 20 students at Pendleton High School staged a walkout during fifth period to protest the actions of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This student-led demonstration included chants, signs, and an upside-down U.S. flag, symbolizing their discontent with current immigration policies.

Among the organizers was William Larson, a 15-year-old sophomore who held a flag emblazoned with the phrase “abolish ICE.” Larson, who has closely followed political developments since the 2020 election, cited recent ICE activities in Minnesota and military actions in Iran as motivating factors for the protest. “We’re all equal,” Larson stated. “If one person is being targeted, we’re all being targeted.” While he did not anticipate immediate changes from the protest, Larson expressed the importance of giving young people a platform to voice their beliefs.

“I hope that people in Pendleton try to become more aware of what’s happening with their government,” Larson noted, emphasizing that individuals under 18 should have their voices heard just as much as adults.

The school principal, Patrick Dutcher, communicated with parents following the event, noting that while they were aware of similar national movements, they were not informed about the specifics of the protest at Pendleton High. He stated that participation in a walkout is considered an act of civil disobedience. As per district policy, students who participated in the protest would receive an unexcused absence for their missed classes.

“Students have the right to express their opinions peacefully,” Dutcher said. “Our role as a district is to remain content-neutral; we do not endorse or oppose the cause of a protest, but we do manage the event to ensure the safety of the entire student body.”

The peaceful protest marched from the high school over the Umatilla River via Bedford Bridge, continuing southeast past the Pendleton Round-Up Arena and concluding in front of city hall.

Fifteen-year-old freshman Ethan Hawker participated to demonstrate that young people have a voice, even if they do not see immediate results from their activism. “It’s OK to have a political opinion and express that opinion,” he stated. Driven by a sense of love for his community, Hawker expressed his desire for everyone to have opportunities without fear based on their ethnicity or skin color.

For seniors Ash Tipton and Ray Estock, joining the protest was a way to show solidarity with loved ones who might be affected by stricter immigration policies. “They’re going after American people,” Estock remarked. “This is important.”

The protest at Pendleton High School highlights the growing engagement of young people in political discourse and their commitment to advocating for their beliefs. As these students continue to voice their concerns, they are also encouraging their peers to engage in discussions about critical social issues affecting their communities.