Atlanta Schools Shouldn't Treat Student Protests as Skipping Class

Educators should teach democracy, but not encourage walkouts with a particular viewpoint.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Recent anti-ICE walkouts in metro Atlanta were as much about escaping class as they were about real political conviction, according to the opinion piece. The author argues that while schools should teach students about democracy and protests, they shouldn't encourage walkouts that promote a particular political viewpoint.

Why it matters

This debate highlights the tension between supporting student activism and maintaining classroom learning. Schools must balance protecting free speech with ensuring students don't abuse protest as an excuse to skip school.

The details

The article cites a recent protest at Brookwood High School in Snellville, Georgia, where hundreds of students walked out to demonstrate against immigration crackdowns. The author argues that many students used the protest as an opportunity to skip class rather than engage in genuine political activism.

  • On January 28, 2026, hundreds of students walked out of school in Georgia to protest immigration policies.

The players

Brookwood High School

A high school in Snellville, Georgia where students recently staged a walkout protest against immigration policies.

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What they’re saying

“Recent anti-ICE walkouts were as much about escaping class as they were about real political conviction.”

— Erika Sanzi, Opinion writer (ajc.com)

The takeaway

Schools must find a balance between supporting student activism and ensuring classroom learning is not disrupted. Educators should teach about democracy and protests, but not encourage walkouts that promote a particular political viewpoint.