AUSTIN, Texas – Austin ISD has implemented new protocols following student walkouts related to ICE operations and immigration enforcement. Students from 14 Austin ISD campuses participated in walkouts on January 30, and similar protests have since occurred in multiple Central Texas school districts.
New Protocols for Student Protests
Austin ISD states it has developed more detailed protest protocols to “ensure the safety of our students and staff while maintaining our focus on on-campus instruction.” These updates, effective February 9, include monitoring of on-campus walkouts within 300 feet of school buildings by administrators and Austin ISD police.
If a walkout extends beyond 300 feet from a school building, administrators and staff will remain on campus, while Austin ISD police will follow students to monitor their safety. Once students are off campus, local law enforcement will take over monitoring.
Staff Guidelines Following TEA Guidance
Austin ISD is also addressing staff expectations in response to new guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) regarding political activity on campus. According to the district, staff are prohibited from participating in, planning, guiding, or endorsing student-led protests unless specifically directed to do so for safety or monitoring purposes. Staff are instructed to direct students planning a walkout to notify the principal.
Teachers are expected to remain in class with students who do not participate in walkouts. Distribution of materials in the classroom requires principal approval as part of a curriculum-based activity. While teachers can discuss political issues as part of the curriculum, they must follow guidelines to ensure balanced and critical review. Staff are prohibited from engaging in political campaigns during work hours or displaying campaign materials on school property, but are encouraged to exercise their constitutional rights on their own time or by taking exit.
Austin ISD has also created a FAQ for parents and families with more information about the district’s handling of student walkouts and protests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will happen if a student walkout moves off campus?
Once off campus, local law enforcement will monitor students.
What are staff members prohibited from doing regarding student protests?
Staff are not permitted to participate in, facilitate plan, provide guidance or endorse any student-led protest unless directed to do so for safety and monitoring purposes only.
What is the purpose of the new Austin ISD protocols?
Austin ISD says the protocols are to “ensure the safety of our students and staff while maintaining our focus on on-campus instruction.”
As these new protocols are implemented, will they effectively balance student expression with maintaining a safe and focused learning environment?
