DeKalb Interim Superintendent Warns Students Against Walkouts, Suggests Alternatives

DCSD students encouraged to work with principals on 'appropriate, school-approved' ways to express dissent

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:39am

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DeKalb County's interim superintendent Norman Sauce has issued a warning to students against participating in planned walkouts protesting recent ICE incidents and the Trump administration. Sauce suggested students work with school administrators on 'appropriate, school-approved' alternatives like facilitated discussions and service activities to share their perspectives. However, Georgia State Sen. Kim Jackson, who joined a previous student walkout, says the students are prepared to face consequences and that 'sometimes breaking the law is the morally right thing to do'.

Why it matters

The planned student walkouts are part of a growing nationwide movement denouncing ICE enforcement and the Trump administration's policies. DeKalb County, a diverse suburban district, has seen significant student activism on these issues, with hundreds participating in recent walkouts. The superintendent's warning highlights the tension between student free expression and school district concerns over disruption and safety.

The details

In a letter to families, Superintendent Sauce said that while students have a right to free expression, it 'must occur in a manner that does not disrupt instruction or compromise their safety, or that of others.' According to the district's code of conduct, walkouts can lead to disciplinary action. Last week, over 1,500 students at Lakeside High School and hundreds at other schools participated in the 'Free America Walkout' condemning Trump and ICE. Activist groups are now coordinating additional vigils and walkouts for later this week, with over 75 Georgia schools expected to take part.

  • On Jan. 20, DeKalb County students participated in the 'Free America Walkout'.
  • On Jan. 27, Superintendent Sauce sent a letter to families warning of consequences for walkouts.
  • On Jan. 30, more student walkouts are planned across Georgia as part of a nationwide general strike.

The players

Norman Sauce

The interim superintendent of DeKalb County School District (DCSD).

Kim Jackson

A Georgia state senator who walked alongside Lakeside High School students during their Jan. 20 walkout.

Party for Social Liberation-Atlanta

An activist group coordinating upcoming student vigils and walkouts in Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“We understand that recent national events have stirred deep emotional responses for many, including our students. We appreciate that our students have a developed conscience about matters of public importance. Students have the right to free expression; however, that expression must occur in a manner that does not disrupt instruction or compromise their safety, or that of others.”

— Norman Sauce, Interim Superintendent, DeKalb County School District (roughdraftatlanta.com)

“Jan. 30 is one step closer towards a nationwide general strike, which can stop ICE killings and kidnappings and Trump's attacks on our most basic rights.”

— PSL Atlanta (roughdraftatlanta.com)

“There always have been consequences if we're looking at people standing on the history and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. I encourage students to calculate the cost and decide: Is it worth it? Because sometimes breaking the law is the morally right thing to do.”

— Kim Jackson, Georgia State Senator (roughdraftatlanta.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.