From campus to community: Kodiaks march for a cause

On Tuesday the 20th, Kodiaks walked out of CHS in peaceful protest, several students brought signs and giving speeches. Photo: Anton Dahlstedt (12). 

On Tuesday, January 20, Kodiak students walked out of Cascade High School (CHS) in a peaceful protest connected to the “Free America Walkout” movement. The demonstration centered on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the federal agency responsible for immigration law enforcement. According to information published by ICE, its Enforcement and Removal Operations division prioritizes individuals it considers threats to national security or public safety. Since its creation, the agency has been the subject of scrutiny from critics who question its enforcement practices and their effect, with debate intensifying recently. 

At 2 p.m., students, staff, and local community members left campus and walked to Lions Club Park in downtown Leavenworth. “They marched from the school through Front Street downtown and then back over to Lions Park where they gathered and held signs. Some of the students gave speeches,” said Jamie Krejci. 

After arriving at the park, students lined the streets with signs and whistles while speakers addressed the crowd. “We lined the streets with signs and whistles and gave speeches and then tried to spread awareness,” said CHS student-organizer Cooper Krejci (10). “ I think people saw that it was happening and they weren't sure of how it would go, but then people started to leave and others start to join in.” 

The protest lasted several hours and included both students and community members. “I had an incredible experience! I was so proud to see my community united, smiling, passionate, and involved in our current political climate. The anti-ICE walk out is important to me, because I have fundamental disagreements with what ICE stands for, and their current actions are utterly disgusting and disappointing. I think my religion also plays a big part in how I view the world today, as I believe Jesus stood for more unity and care shown to those coming to the United States for safety and opportunities,” said Gretchen Leach (12). 

The event was organized by Cooper Krejci (10) and Lane Bedard (10) after several weeks of planning. They shared information with The Echo, the mayor, and local organizations, and used social media to reach other students and community members. Cooper Krejci and Lane Bedard also contacted Upper Valley Mend Indivisible (UVMI), which then emailed community members about the students’ plan. 

“I think it's important to know that even though we can't vote yet, we can still make a a difference. 

“I think it's important to know that even though we can't vote yet, we can still make a a difference. So that we know we are educated and we know how these things work. We can have a voice before we have the power to vote, so we can come in knowing what we are doing, rather than just getting infused by things like social media,” said Bedard. 

In communication with parents, Principal James Swanson wrote in an email that CHS would remain neutral while prioritizing student safety: “We want to clarify the school's position regarding today's walkout event. As a public school, we maintain a position of neutrality on student-organized demonstrations. We neither encourage nor discourage students or staff from participating in walkouts or similar activities. We still maintain a priority of keeping our students safe so a member of the administration will be walking with the student group in a supervisory role. Maintaining neutrality also means we must apply our standard attendance policies. Students who leave campus during the school day will be marked according to our regular procedures,” wrote Swanson. 

Students were required to be excused from class or were marked absent. While the school maintained neutrality, some teachers expressed support for students participating in civic engagement. “It is a way for them to learn how to find passion in organization and building community through engaging in an event that is about more than just them. If they want to be taken seriously, they have to stop and think about what they are saying so the grown-ups around them will stop and listen. It helps them find their voice in speaking up for what they believe,” said Jamie Krejci.