Moorhead High School students are organizing a walkout for Wednesday, October 22, to highlight concerns regarding school safety and issues related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This action follows two separate gun-related incidents at the Moorhead High School Career Academy last month.
Key Takeaways
- Students plan a walkout on October 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Concerns focus on school safety and ICE-related issues.
- Two gun incidents occurred at the Career Academy in September.
- Parents and former students express support for the students' voices.
- School district is reportedly working on a safety audit, unrelated to recent incidents.
Student Voices Drive Action
The planned walkout reflects a growing sentiment among students that their concerns are not being adequately addressed. Thaddeus Laugisch, a Moorhead parent and member of the activist group Indivisible, emphasized the students' frustration. "It's getting too close to home. Our children, our students are angry about it and they want to be heard. That’s why they’re walking out," Laugisch stated.
Mr. Laugisch plans to join the students during the walkout. He and other supporting adults will wear vests to distinguish themselves. They also plan to carry signs designed to amplify student voices. This shows a community effort to support the younger generation's demands for a safer and more responsive school environment.
Recent Incidents
On September 17, a 17-year-old was taken into custody after allegedly dropping a gun during a class transition period at the Moorhead High School Career Academy.
On September 30, another 17-year-old was arrested and charged following a disturbance at the same alternative school.
Impact of Recent Safety Incidents
The two gun-related incidents in September have significantly impacted student perception of safety. Rya Laugisch, a 2024 graduate of Moorhead High School, shared her experience. "It was scary. I think all my friends that are still in high school are all scared or worried about what’s to come, or what’s going to happen and that type of thing," she said.
These events have brought school safety to the forefront of student concerns. The incidents occurred within weeks of each other, creating an atmosphere of anxiety. Students now feel a greater urgency to address these issues directly.
"I understand their point. Again, I want to reflect more so onto the children. I want to make sure they are heard because they’re walking out because they’re angry and their voices should be heard in regards to that."
Connecting Safety with Broader Issues
Beyond the immediate safety concerns, students are also linking their walkout to broader political and social issues, including ICE deportations. Rya Laugisch noted that recent national elections have made these issues more visible. "We were focused on our schoolwork more than the politics. But we did kind of focus on what was next with Biden and the Trump election," she explained.
This indicates a growing awareness among students about how national policies can affect their local communities and personal lives. Their activism extends beyond the school gates, encompassing wider societal concerns.
District's Response
Moorhead Area Public Schools has declined interview requests regarding school safety. Earlier this month, the district announced it is strengthening school safety through an audit report. They stated this report is unrelated to the September incidents.
The Moorhead Police Department deferred inquiries about the walkout to a statement provided by the district.
Parental Support for Student Activism
Parents like Thaddeus Laugisch are committed to supporting their children's right to protest. He believes the district must listen to student demands. While he respects school leaders, he stresses the importance of student input for creating a comfortable learning environment.
The involvement of parents and community members highlights the collective concern for student well-being. This support can empower students to continue their advocacy for change. The walkout is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.