MCPS Students Request Support for a District-Wide Walkout

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity has been reported in and around communities served by Montgomery County Public Schools. These reports have caused fear and uncertainty among many students and families, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. This situation requires thoughtful attention to ensure that all students feel safe, supported, and able to focus on their learning.

Montgomery County is known for its diversity and commitment to education. However, concerns about ICE's presence near school zones and reports of intimidatory behavior have disrupted students’ sense of security. For undocumented students and their families, this fear directly affects their ability to learn, participate, and feel included in school life.

Under federal law, including the Supreme Court decision in Plyler v. Doe (1982), students have the right to a public education regardless of immigration status. Schools should remain spaces of safety, learning, and support — free from fear or intimidation.

Purpose of This Petition:

This petition seeks to show student unity and collective concern across MCPS high schools. By signing, students express their desire to have their voices heard and to work with their school leaders and staff to responsibly organize a district-wide walkout on a future, mutually agreed-upon date and time.

At this time, no official date or time has been set. The purpose of this petition is to demonstrate that this issue matters to students across the county and that there is significant interest in organizing together.

Why Signatures Matter:

Major student participation is necessary to show that these concerns are widely shared. A strong number of signatures will help students work with school leaders and staff at each high school to plan a safe, organized, and collective district-wide walkout. Signing this petition does not commit students to a walkout immediately. It is a way to express interest, unity, and willingness to work responsibly with school leadership.

How a District-Wide Walkout Would Work:

If there is significant student support, students and school leaders at each high school could work together to select a single date and time for the walkout. On that day:

• All participating MCPS high schools would walk out at the same time
• Each school would walk out to its own safe, staff-approved location
• Students would remain with their school communities while participating in a county-wide unified action
• Even though students would be in different physical locations, the walkout would be collective and coordinated across the district

What We Are Asking For:

By signing this petition, students are:

• Showing their support for a unified student response
• Expressing that their voices matter on issues affecting the safety and well-being of all MCPS students
• Indicating interest in participating in a future, organized walkout

This petition is about student unity and showing a collective concern.

It is a first step in responsibly organizing and communicating student voices across the district.

Hate will never make America great.