HOUSTON – Student-led walkouts tied to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity are spreading across the country, and now, Houston-area school districts are responding as similar protests unfold locally.
Authorities say protests increased following the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were killed in separate shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this month. Both were American citizens.
In response, organizers across the country called for coordinated actions, urging people to avoid school, work, and shopping as part of a National Day of Protest tied to concerns about immigration enforcement.
That national movement has now reached the Houston area.
As walkouts spread, school districts across the Houston area are making clear they do not support demonstrations during instructional time, while emphasizing student safety and campus security.
Here’s what the following Houston-area school districts are saying:
Conroe ISD
Conroe ISD says it respects students’ constitutional right to free expression but does not allow walkouts or demonstrations that disrupt the instructional day.
The district says students are expected to remain on campus unless properly checked out by a parent or guardian through the school’s front office.
According to the district, students who leave campus or disrupt instruction could face consequences under the Student Code of Conduct, including:
- Unexcused absences
- Campus-based discipline such as detention or in-school suspension
- Loss of attendance-based privileges
- Removal from class for serious disruption
- Stronger disciplinary action, including suspension or alternative placement, for unsafe or defiant behavior
District officials emphasized the goal is not to be punitive, but to maintain safety and uninterrupted instruction.
Katy ISD
Katy ISD notified families ahead of a planned walkout and warned that students are expected to remain in class during the school day.
The district says any walkout during instructional hours is considered a disruption of the learning environment and a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. According to Katy ISD:
- Students who leave class will be marked absent
- Parents will be required to pick up students who participate
- Disciplinary consequences may be assigned
- Posters, signs, megaphones, and flags are not permitted on campus during the school day
Fort Bend ISD
Fort Bend ISD says it respects students’ rights to peacefully express their viewpoints but does not support disruptions to the school day.
The district says campus administrators, along with the Fort Bend ISD Police Department, monitored recent demonstrations to ensure student safety. Students were encouraged to return to class.
According to the district, students who left campus or did not return to class as directed may receive:
- Unexcused absences
- Disciplinary consequences consistent with the Student Code of Conduct
Students who followed campus expectations will not face disciplinary action.
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD says it respects students’ First Amendment rights but does not support or sanction walkouts during school hours, citing safety concerns.
District officials say students who leave class without permission are considered truant and may face consequences under the Student Code of Conduct. CFISD also says demonstrations that interfere with campus operations or other students’ ability to learn are prohibited.
The district encourages students to express their views through campus-based clubs or after-school activities that do not disrupt instruction or compromise safety.
Klein ISD
Dear Klein ISD Intermediate and High School Families,
We are aware that some students are discussing and may plan to participate in demonstrations during the school day, including the possibility of leaving campus as part of a group. Klein ISD does not sponsor, endorse, or organize demonstrations. Our focus is on keeping students safe and providing an excellent education while they are at school.
Please note these important reminders about student safety and campus expectations:
•Student safety is always our priority, and learning happens best when students are safe, supported, and on campus. When students remain on school property, we provide multiple layers of protection that include staff supervision, Klein ISD Police Department officers, campus guards, and established safety procedures throughout the school day.
•As always, Klein ISD expects students to be in their assigned locations during the school day, and students may only leave school during the school day with parent permission. Once a student leaves the school building or their designated instructional area without authorization, campus staff cannot provide supervision, ensure safety, or account for student whereabouts. For that reason, if students leave campus for any reason, campus administrators and campus officers will address the situation with safety as the priority.
•Disruptive behavior or unexcused absences will be addressed in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Leaving school during the school day to participate in a demonstration is an unexcused absence under district policy. Instruction will continue for students who remain in the building.
HOW FAMILIES CAN HELP
• Please speak with your child about your expectations for safe, responsible behavior during the school day and the risks of leaving the school building or designated instructional area.
• Encourage your child to report concerns using our Keep Klein Safe tool at kleinisd.net/keepkleinsafe or by contacting Klein ISD Police at (832) 249-4266. See it? Say it! Do not spread it. Report it. If you become aware of planned activity that may impact safety, please notify your campus administration so we can prepare appropriately to keep students safe.
Our shared priority is ensuring every student remains safe and able to focus on learning each day at school. Thank you for your partnership and continued support of Klein ISD.
State-level scrutiny adds pressure
The local response comes as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Austin ISD over student walkouts tied to ICE protests, raising broader questions about how districts handle political demonstrations during the school day.
So far, Houston-area districts have emphasized a consistent message: while student expression is protected, walkouts during instructional hours are not permitted, and disciplinary consequences may follow.
Houston ISD, Aldine ISD, and Spring ISD have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding how they are handling student walkouts tied to ICE protests.