Stivers Students Protest ICE with School Support

Over 200 students walked out of class to voice opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:27am

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A dynamic, abstract painting depicting a crowd of students marching and chanting, with overlapping geometric shapes and waves of vibrant colors, conceptually representing the energy and momentum of the student protest.Student activists at Stivers School take a bold stand, using their collective voice to protest immigration enforcement actions.Today in Dayton

More than 200 students at Stivers School for the Arts in Dayton, Ohio walked out of their seventh-period classes to protest the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The student-led protest, supported by Dayton Public Schools, featured chanting, a moment of silence, and calls for their peers to use their voices for positive change on immigration issues. However, the walkout was controversial, with some parents opposing the students' actions.

Why it matters

The student protest at Stivers School highlights the growing role of young people in addressing complex political issues like immigration. While the school supported the walkout, the mixed reactions from parents underscore the divisive nature of the immigration debate and the challenges of balancing student activism with diverse community perspectives.

The details

The protest was organized by Stivers senior Dawn Drake and involved over 200 students walking out of their seventh-period classes. During the protest, students chanted, held a moment of silence for those affected by ICE, and encouraged their peers to use their platforms for positive change. While Dayton Public Schools supported the students' right to protest, some parents opposed the walkout, and the participating students were given the option to leave school early.

  • The protest took place on April 11, 2026 during the seventh period of the school day.

The players

Dawn Drake

A senior at Stivers School for the Arts who organized the student protest against ICE.

Dayton Public Schools

The school district that supported the students' right to protest, despite some parental opposition.

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What they’re saying

“We must use our voices and platforms for positive change on these important issues.”

— Dawn Drake, Stivers School Senior

What’s next

The school district and community will likely continue to grapple with the complex issues surrounding immigration and the appropriate role of student activism in addressing these topics.

The takeaway

The Stivers School protest highlights the growing influence of student voices in the national debate over immigration policies, even as it exposes the challenges of balancing student activism with diverse community perspectives.