Students from 100 GA schools part of National Shutdown despite warnings

Thousands of Georgia students intend to walk out of classes Friday in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

Atlanta area school districts, however, have issued warnings of disciplinary action against students who leave class to participate.

The protests are part of a “National Shutdown,” an organized event asking Americans to skip school, stay home from work and not shop to show anger over ICE’s operations in Minneapolis and across the country. The event was organized by a coalition of student groups.

“The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country — to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN,” according to the event’s website. “On Friday, January 30, a nationwide day of no school, no work and no shopping. Vote NO to ICE funding.”

More than 100 Georgia schools expected to participate

According to a list maintained by the Party for Socialism and Liberation in Atlanta, more than 100 schools in Georgia are expected to participate in the walk out today.

Walk outs are scheduled throughout the day, which was scheduled to begin with Stephenson High School, in Dekalb County, at 9:30 a.m. Some schools have given a specific time to walk out of class, while others have said the students would leave “after third period” or at another transition period during the day.

The walk outs are primarily planned for high schools, but colleges like Agnes Scott College, Emory University, GSU – Atlanta, GSU Armstrong, and the University of Georgia are also expected to protest.

A full list of participating schools, per the PSL Atlanta, can be found here.

Some schools in Georgia started walkouts earlier in the week.

PSL Atlanta will also be hosting a state-wide demonstration at 5 p.m. on Jan. 30 at 3360 Buford Highway NE, in northeast Atlanta.

Atlanta-area schools threaten disciplinary action

The students in many districts will be going against their schools if they choose to leave class on Friday.

Atlanta area districts, including Cobb and Dekalb County Schools, have warned students they could face disciplinary action for violating school policy.

“Students have the right to free expression; however, that expression must occur in a manner that does not disrupt instruction or compromise their safety or that of others,” Interim Superintendent of Dekalb County Schools said in a letter shared by Decaturish.

A spokesperson for the school later told the outlet administrators were concerned about safety, and that principals would meet with students to “clearly communicate these expectations and to outline safe, on-campus alternatives designed to support student voice while keeping campuses secure and instruction intact.”

In a message shared by Cobb County Schools, officials said “anyone who violates the Code of Conduct, including leaving class, skipping class, leaving authorized areas, unexcused absences and/or disrupting the instructional day, will receive consequences in accordance with District policies.”

These range from out-of-school suspensions to the loss of school privileges like parking, sports and extracurriculars. Cobb County told students this could impact their college admissions and future employment.

“Your teachers and principal are focused on teaching and learning. While we respect the right of students to express their views in a non-disruptive way, students are expected to be in class and engaged in learning throughout the school day,” the district said.

Similar messages in Cherokee and Calhoun County public schools were reported.

Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.