On Wednesday Jan. 14th at 2:20 p.m. students will begin a student-led walkout to protest ICE coming to Owatonna. This event is to raise awareness and for students to stand together during this time.
Senior Amal Mohamed said, “The goal of putting this together was to display youth advocacy and that us students have a say on current events. As a student myself who cares about issues that affect our country and daily lives of myself and the community, I knew this was something that I had to participate in.”
The walkout is not about violence, it is about to peacefully protest a safe environment for our schools. As a goal, the students are wanting to respect the school community. According to the post of OHS Recognizing American Diversity (RAD), they said, “Our goal; to protest peacefully, safely and united, while respecting our school community.”
It is important to know that students are not required to attend the event however students need to be respectful of those who go participate along with those who do not participate as everyone has their own reasons. Junior Ramala Dahir said, “In light of the current political events affecting Minnesotans, as students knew we had to take a stand and exercise our first amendment rights, we are also making sure we don’t force our beliefs on our fellow peers. We are making sure our stance is heard while simultaneously respecting opposing views.”
Be respectful, know that this is a peaceful protest and follow the instructions of the student organizers and staff for your safety.
