In the wake of protests by thousands of students across the nation, students in Bend have organized one of their own. On Friday, Feb.13, students are invited to walk out of class and march to Peace Corner in downtown Bend at 2 p.m. The walkout is intended to protest current federal immigration enforcement policies. Though the event is a walkout, students are also welcome to drive or bike to Peace Corner to show their support. 

Organizer and Bend High School senior Hannah Kancler said the walkout grew out of conversations among students who wanted a way to take action. 

“This felt like an achievable action that we could do as students, since most of us are unable to vote,” said Kancler.

Another Bend High organizer, senior Clara McDonald, said the walkout is meant to amplify student voices and provide a way for them to express what they believe in. 

“Protesting has been extremely effective in our country for decades as it empowers community and drives change,” she said. “If a student feels hopeless towards the issue, or scared to speak out, the walkout provides them with the ability to get together with like-minded people their age.”

McDonald emphasized that the protest is not meant to disrupt learning. 

“The protest is not an act of defiance against education,” she said, “The point is to give an opportunity to students who feel strongly about an issue to participate in a form of peaceful protest.”

Summit Principal Donna Servignat said she had emailed staff to inform them about the walkout. 

“We reminded staff that as federal and state employees we have to remain neutral when it comes to political things like this during the work day,” said Servignat  “Our intention is always to keep the learning going but we support students’ right to free speech.”

Those who don’t plan to leave class during the school day are invited to join the demonstration at the Peace Corner after school, McDonald said. 

Additional information is available through the @bendstudentvoices Instagram page.