VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - Almost 200 Valdosta High School students are prepared to walk out of class in protest against ICE this week.

These walk-outs began in January in schools and public buildings across the country following the deaths of Keith Porter, Jr., Renee Good, and Alex Pretti all in ICE custody.

Many of those walking out, like students at VHS are the grandchildren and children of immigrants, who want to be able to stand against what they believe to be unlawful actions by ICE.

After revelation of the planned protest, Valdosta City Schools posted a response on social media, Monday, Feb. 2.

Valdosta City Schools said in a statement, “Valdosta High School administration and Valdosta City Schools are aware of discussions regarding a potential student walkout. While we understand that students may have strong feelings about current events, safety is the foundation of all that we do in Valdosta City Schools. Students are expected to remain in their assigned classes during the instructional day. Leaving class without authorization will result in consequences as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. This expectation is in place to protect the safety of our entire school community.”

An anonymous VHS student said, “200 plus students find that to be unjust, especially given our basic human rights of free speech. We were planning on staying on school grounds, so it isn’t breaking school conduct.”

Students told WALB that they understand risk but the cause is more important to them.

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