Last Friday, our PC campus rang out with the impassioned voices of students protesting against the proceedings of the government agency known as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Hundreds of students walked with signs reading “I prefer crushed ICE” and “ICE Melts” among others to express their discontent with the agency. There is not much known about who the organisers were, or even really the exact time when the walk started, but what we do know is that the affair lasted until the end of the school day.
Students circled the school shouting “No more ICE”, “We want change”, “Stop the injustice”, and “No I-C-E at Panther Creek.” Though the protest remained non-violent, it was not necessarily peaceful at all times. Some students threw paper and trash in the air, shouting unserious suggestions at groups going off campus for food, and lightly banging or knocking on cars and class windows. One student said “I see people, family, friends, getting torn away for no reason.” He went on to speak on how the government needs to enact change. Another student said she simply wanted people to “know their rights”. At one point students stood at the doors of the gym halfway chanting “Let us in” to continue their efforts within the walls of the building, until they were made aware by SROs (School Resource Officers) of the disturbance that may cause, prompting them to move on.
Nearing the end of the 3rd period, students began standing along the brick seating in the bus lot area. They continued chants and spoke on the current presidential administration. The group’s mass fizzled out as the school day ended. During the excursion, teachers and administrators were particularly determined to ensure the protesting remained outside of school walls. An administrative escort peacefully followed the crowd walking, with the purpose of allowing students to peacefully reenter the school. However, some students filtered through in different places, others did not see the escorts, and some simply could not find her. This led to the administrator inside of the building, seeming reluctant to let students back in individually. When students would rejoin their classmates inside, they were informed no protesting was to be exercised inside of school walls. In the end, the demonstration reflected both the passion and frustration of Panther Creek students as they voiced concerns about immigration enforcement and broader issues of justice.
Though the protest did stray from order in moments, it reflected the students’ determination to make their voices heard. Administrators worked to balance student expression with school safety, underscoring the tension between activism and institutional boundaries. As the crowd dispersed with the close of the school day, the echoes of their chants left behind a clear message; the desire for change is alive among the youth.
