Jackson students walk out of class, take protest to courthouse

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JACKSON, Mo., (KBSI) — Students in the Jackson R-II School District staged a walkout Thursday morning in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and later gathered at the Jackson Courthouse.

Organizers say the demonstration was student-led and planned in just four days. The Jackson School District confirms the walkout was not district affiliated.

Around 7:50 a.m., students marched peacefully out of Jackson High School, made their way to Jackson Junior High, and then continued to Jackson City Hall. Participants said the protest was directed at recent activity involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Kalob Vanaken, a Jackson High School student who helped organize the walkout, said students were willing to accept the consequences of missing school to speak out.

“We need to show everyone that we’re willing to face the consequences of skipping school, to protest and fight for everyone’s rights in this country,” Vanaken said.

Vanaken said the goal of the walk-out was to raise awareness and encourage others to speak out about immigration enforcement policies they believe negatively impact immigrant communities.

Paisley Eyeler, a Jackson High School student who participated in the walkout, says the causes the students believe in is what is drawing her to the crowd.

“I believe that the students and the right of the people to be able to protest the things they believe in,” Eyeler said.

The Jackson School District confirmed the walkout was not district-affiliated and declined to comment further. Standard attendance policies may apply to students who participated.