Washington County Schools address ICE-related student protest

District leaders addressed a possible walkout concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the area. Washington County Schools sent a letter to families across the district after learning students were planning a possible walkout to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity at David Crockett High School. The notice follows a walkout last week at Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, where students left class in protest of ICE operations. Superintendent Jerry Boyd said district leaders chose to communicate early rather than wait for events to unfold. "Per my directive, our district team worked with our high school principals to proactively communicate with families because maintaining a safe, orderly and disruption-free learning environment is our responsibility and top priority," Boyd said. "Taking any approach to ignore the possibility of the disruption in our high schools would not have been an acceptable response on our part." Boyd said once officials became aware of a potential walkout, transparency with parents was essential. "When we became aware of the possibility of a student walkout, it was important to provide parents with clear, factual information," Boyd said. "Schools exist for teaching and learning. Any action that removes students from class or disrupts the school day will be addressed in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct." District officials emphasized that schools do not organize or support demonstrations and that standard disciplinary policies would apply to students who leave class or campus without permission. "Our district and schools do not sponsor, organize or endorse walkouts or demonstrations," Boyd said. "Students who choose to leave class or campus without authorization will be subject to the necessary and appropriate consequences of their individual actions, just as they would in any other circumstance." Boyd said the district's role is focused on safety and instruction rather than politics. "Our role is not to engage in political debate or activism," he added. "Our role is to ensure student safety, protect instructional time and apply expectations consistently and fairly to every student." In a message sent specifically to families at David Crockett High School, administrators acknowledged students' desire to express their views while reiterating campus expectations. The school said it recognizes that students are "growing into engaged citizens who feel deeply about complex issues" and that immigration topics can be "deeply personal and emotional for many families in our community." The letter outlined safety protocols in the event a demonstration occurs, including staff supervision of any student gatherings, efforts to minimize disruption for students who remain in class and availability of counseling services for those who need support. While affirming respect for students' right to free expression, the school reminded families that it does not sponsor or endorse walkouts. Students who leave class may receive an unexcused absence for missed time, and standard consequences for leaving campus without authorization would apply under the student handbook. "Proactive communication helps prevent confusion, reduces misinformation and reinforces expectations before disruptions occur," Boyd said. "Our focus remains on stability, safety and academic continuity in all schools in our district." School officials encouraged parents to speak with their children about expressing their views safely and responsibly while understanding their academic commitments.