Pennsbury High School Students Plan Walkout to Protest ICE Activity

School officials explain district's history of allowing student protests while ensuring safety and order.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Pennsbury High School students are planning a walkout on Friday to protest ICE activity across the country. School officials have stated that the district has a long history of allowing students to exercise their constitutional rights through peaceful protest, from Vietnam War-era activism to challenging dress code policies. The superintendent said the district neither promotes nor organizes any student protest events, but will work to maintain a safe and orderly school environment during the walkout.

Why it matters

Student protests on social and political issues have been a longstanding tradition at Pennsbury High School, reflecting the school district's commitment to allowing students to engage with important matters. However, the school must also balance student expression with its responsibility to ensure campus safety and order, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like immigration enforcement.

The details

Pennsbury High School students are planning a walkout on Friday to protest ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activity throughout the nation. School officials, including Superintendent Thomas A. Smith and Principal Reggie Meadows, have received numerous emails about the planned protest and want to provide context. The district has a history of allowing student activism, from Vietnam War protests to challenging dress code policies. In more recent years, Pennsbury students have organized demonstrations on larger societal concerns. While the district does not promote or organize these events, it works to ensure student safety and maintain a normal school day during peaceful protests.

  • The student walkout is planned for this Friday.

The players

Thomas A. Smith

Pennsbury School District Superintendent who has received emails about the planned student walkout and wants to provide context on the district's history of allowing student protests.

Reggie Meadows

Pennsbury High School Principal who has received emails about the planned student walkout along with Superintendent Smith.

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What they’re saying

“Pennsbury High School has a long history of students exercising their constitutional rights, from student activism during the Vietnam War to challenging school rules against female students wearing pants, our students have consistently used their voices to engage with important social Issues.”

— Thomas A. Smith, Superintendent (Patch.com)

“We also know that similar events are happening in schools across the region and country.”

— Thomas A. Smith, Superintendent (Patch.com)

“Our goal is to maintain a safe and orderly school day, even when students choose to express themselves through peaceful protest.”

— Thomas A. Smith, Superintendent (Patch.com)

What’s next

Local police will monitor access to the campus, and district security will be present to supervise and maintain student safety during the walkout.

The takeaway

Pennsbury High School has a long history of allowing student protests on important social and political issues, reflecting the district's commitment to student expression. However, the school must balance this with ensuring campus safety and order, especially for sensitive topics like immigration enforcement.