On January 14, 2026, a student-led walkout took place at Owatonna High School. Planning for the walkout began on Saturday, January 10, when student organizers Ayoub Farah, Amal Mohamed, Miles Grimmius, Ramala Dahir, McKayla Selle, and Boldin Krause, shared information about the event on social media. The post spread quickly, receiving more than 200 reposts and shares within the local community.

The announcement sparked widespread discussion online, particularly within Owatonna-based community groups. On the Facebook group Owatonna Concerned Citizens, reactions were mixed. Some community members expressed support for students engaging in peaceful protest and exercising their right to express their views. Others voiced concerns, questioning whether a walkout was appropriate during the school day and expressing worries about disruption to learning.

The event highlighted differing opinions within the Owatonna community regarding student activism and the role of schools in addressing student-led demonstrations. While perspectives varied, the walkout became a point of conversation about student voice, civic engagement, and how communities respond to peaceful forms of protest.

On the day of the walkout, students began gathering near the main entrance of the school shortly before the scheduled time. At approximately 2:15 p.m., around 30 students, including the event’s organizers, were standing near the entrance as they waited for the walkout to begin.

At 2:20 p.m., a larger group of students began exiting their classrooms and moving toward the main area of the school. Many students came down the school’s learning stairs and the stairs on both sides of the main entrance. As the walkout started to begin, a noticeable rush of students joined, increasing the number of participants within a short period of time. Ultimately, over 300 students participated in the walkout.

Because Owatonna High School has an open-concept layout, several classrooms have windows that face the main area of the building. Students who chose not to participate remained in class, but were able to observe the movement of students through the main area as the walkout took place.

The walkout proceeded in an organized manner, with staff present throughout the building to monitor the situation. Classes continued for students who did not participate, while those who joined the walkout gathered together as planned.

Once the walkout began, participating students exited the building and walked along the school sidewalk next to the bus loop. From there, they crossed at the crosswalk and continued down the street toward Buecksler Park. Students remained together as they moved off campus.

During the walk, many participants held signs and chanted. Chants included phrases such as “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here” and “What do we want? Safety. When do we want it? Now.” The group remained on sidewalks and followed traffic signals as they traveled to the park.

The walkout continued peacefully as students reached Buecksler Park, where they gathered following the march from the school. Max Bertram, a senior at Owatonna High School who participated in the walkout, shared his perspective on the event, saying,

Not all students agreed with the walkout. Levi Sierakowski, a senior at Owatonna High School who did not participate, shared his perspective on the event, stating, “I do believe in student expression but I don’t really get what walking out 30 minutes before the bell is really saying to anyone… I also believe in borders and that established countries should have borders to keep order… I do not agree with deporting legal citizens but I do believe in getting illegal people out because of the people that worked their [censored] off to be a citizen… The concerns I had about the walkout are that many people are just protesting because they hate Donald Trump… I chose not to participate in the walkout because I agree with getting people off the streets that we either don’t know or shouldn’t be there… And when someone says stolen land… we conquered this land hundreds of years ago and then built it to what it is today… That’s how countries are made, by force.”

Despite differing opinions, the walkout continued as planned. After gathering at Buecksler Park, students walked back toward Owatonna High School along 18th Street. The group entered the school grounds through the parking lot near the Activities entrance and continued along the sidewalk. Student organizers led participants back toward the building in an orderly manner.

Students gathered in the open common area near the Activities entrance. Organizers stood on the raised brick planter structure located in the area and delivered final remarks to the group. During the closing speeches, organizers reflected on the purpose of the walkout, thanked participants for attending, and emphasized the importance of student voice. 

Amal Mohamed began the remarks by saying, “Thank you to everyone who showed up and supported your classmates and community,” prompting a loud cheer from the crowd. She later thanked her co-organizers who were standing beside her.

Next, Ayoub Farah addressed the group, stating, “A lot of people have been saying this protest doesn’t mean anything in the long run, but the fact us rural students were able to get out here and show our voices were heard and show everyone we can do it just as well as the metro kids means a lot. We started a movement, good job everyone!”

Miles Grimmius followed, saying, “I have two things: ICE does not belong here and two: your voice matters!” Finally, Ramala wrapped up the speeches with, “Thank you everyone for your peaceful presence, let’s continue to show people that we students are just as powerful as anyone else.”

Amal Mohamed concluded the walkout by yelling, “Thank you everybody!” and waving at the crowd, signaling the end of the event.