By Fox23.com News Staff
OKLAHOMA — The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) released a statement addressing the recent student walkouts and protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) being held at high schools across the state.
The department said each school district and school board is allowed to adopt their own policies regarding demonstrations, though they emphasized student safety should always be the main priority.
Below is OSDE’s full statement:
“OSDE has been in contact with leaders at these schools and each situation is being handled with a calm sense of order that ensures student safety to the fullest extent possible. Local school boards may adopt policies that regulate on-campus freedom of expression, and districts may impose discipline or attendance punishments if students violate those policies. When it comes to activities happening off campus, parents also must be engaged in helping their student understand rights, limitations and responsible behaviors. At the end of the day, safety is our primary concern, even as students observe their right of expression.”
OSDE’s statement comes following a large number of student walkouts that have been held across the state, including here in Green Country.
On Monday, we covered the walkout held by Broken Arrow High School students.
The week before, we told you about walkouts held by students at Nathan Hale High School, Edison Preparatory Academy, Jenks High School and Mustang High School.
The walkouts have caused debate across the state with lawmakers bringing up questions about student safety and missed instruction time.
However, students argue they’re exercising their First Amendment rights and standing up for the ideals they believe in.
