Disclaimer: The following is not meant to represent the official stance of Bakersfield High School or the Kern High School District. The following is written based on the experiences and opinions of BHS students.
With the recent changes within the U.S. presidential office, there has been a notable increase in the discussion of I.C.E.’s role in current immigration struggles. High school students around the nation have responded to the increased I.C.E activity with protests.
Most of these protests are conducted by scheduled mass student absences and walkouts. There has been youth participation from across the Kern High School District, including some students from Bakersfield High School (KHSD); KHSD students held a walkout on Feb. 12.
The goal was to show students’ disapproval of I.C.E and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E) through protest. The goal was not to simply walk out and go home; the students exited their respective campuses and walked to the courthouse and city hall, where a broader protest took place. The protest lasted most of the school day.
Word of this protest got out through students’ Instagram and other social media platforms, as well as by word-of-mouth. Having participated in the protest, I saw firsthand that many people did not know of the protest or wanted to participate in the morning. However, as people walked out, it seemed to have inspired many others to get up and protest as well.
The KHSD had sent out a message to parents the day before saying they would retain order and keep a safe environment for those participating in the protest, as well as for those choosing to stay in class. They also said they would do what they could to ensure that the walkout was carried out in as safe and organized manner as possible.
It is important to note that KHSD was not encouraging student participation; their goal was to just ensure student safety. Security and KH police were seen on campuses across the county, and further police presence was noted by city hall in an attempt to maintain the safety of all protest participants.
Many of us participated in this protest because we are or are friends with students in Kern County who come from families with parents, or grandparents who immigrated to the U.S.; whether they immigrated legally or illegally, this cause resonates with many of us.
Not only do we sympathize with those currently struggling due to the increased immigration control, but we also recognize the huge contribution illegal immigrants make to the United States.
There will continue to be those who might say these protests have ended in nothing or question the purpose of the protest. The goal of these protests isn’t to enact an instant change that is apparent as soon as the protest concludes; the expectation of instantaneous change is not realistic.
The goal is to get the voices of our students out there; hopefully, through constant protest and acts of disapproval, we will enact more long-lasting change with the help of government officials and revised legislation.
