More than 1,000 students from Palo Alto walked out of class to protest and march against Immigration and Customs Enforcement today at noon along El Camino.
The Palo Alto High School walkout, organized by various Paly students, began at Paly’s Performing Arts Center and joined students Castelleja School and Green Middle School before moving down El Camino Real to California Avenue and back.
Student’s protested by holding anti-ICE and anti-Trump signs, air horns and other noisemaking devices.
One of the walkout organizers, junior Brian Miller, said that he is glad to see the Paly community unite.
“It almost brought tears to my eyes seeing everybody out here,” Miller said. “It shows that we care as a school, that we can be united as one school — no matter what group you’re from, what race, gender, age, whatever it is — we can come together over a common goal.”
Campus staff and faculty were present at the walkout to ensure safety and maintain order.
According to vice principal Jerry Berkson, he was monitoring as more of a precaution rather than a necessity.
“We [Paly staff and faculty] have a bunch of smart kids who would make the right decision, so we’re mainly here … in case we see something that was unsafe.” Berkson said.
Paly junior Kate Lindstrom said that she is impressed with the turnout of the walkout.
“I’m so proud of Paly right now because it’s really important that we stick together and we voice our opinion on what is happening in U.S. politics right now,” Lindstrom said.
According to Castilleja senior Lauren McDonald, many students from her school showed up to stand up for what they believe in.
“The majority of Casti [Castilleja School] is out here protesting against everything that ICE has done,” McDonald said. “We don’t believe in it, and we’re just trying to spread awareness”
Paly junior Kit Wendling said that she came out to protest what she views as extrajudicial killings by ICE.
“I find it really unfair that a government is able to kill people out in the streets and have absolutely no repercussions,” Wendling said.
According to Paly senior Duncan Sego, he was surprised by the number of protesters present.
“I’m really happy and surprised at how many people are here,” Sego said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many Paly students in one place. I thought that there were a bunch of adults, other communities, or Stanford students, but seeing that it’s pretty much entirely Paly students is really heartwarming.”
