Approximately 100 students walked out of McGavock High School on Friday to stage a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Students marched from the school to Lebanon Pike, waving signs and Mexican flags outside of the nearby Kroger. Students tell the Scene they attempted to return to school but were told they would be suspended if they reentered. About 20 students were across the street awaiting rides home from the school when the Scene arrived.
One student who participated tells the Scene her boyfriend had been arrested by ICE. She says she wants the U.S. to treat Latinos and immigrants like humans.
Another student expressed frustration with being denied reentry to the school, saying McGavock High had been aware of the action for about a week and that some teachers seemed supportive. She said students staged a walkout on Thursday that ended in the gym rather than outside.
The Scene contacted Metro Nashville Public Schools to ask what the administration knew about the action and whether students risked suspension for returning to school. A spokesperson responded with the following statement:
A group of students at McGavock High School left campus today to participate in a protest. We recognize that many students feel strongly about issues affecting their families and communities, and we respect their desire to express their views. At the same time, leaving campus during the school day without parent or school permission is a violation of the student code of conduct and creates safety concerns. Students who leave campus without authorization are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the student-parent handbook.
As a district, our goal is to support student voice and provide appropriate opportunities for students to express their views. School administrators worked with student organizers to offer an option on campus that would allow students to share their perspectives in a safe and appropriate way while remaining in compliance with school policies. Our priority is ensuring that students can be heard while maintaining the safety and supervision families expect during the school day.
While planned before the news broke, the protest occurred days after the arrest of Nashville Noticias reporter Estefany Rodríguez. In recent weeks, ICE activity has been filmed in areas like South Nashville. Music City MigraWatch, a grassroots organization that reports on the agency’s movements and arrests, recently shared footage online of agents tackling a man to the ground.
