Dozens of students walked out of Evanston Township High School Friday to protest the war in Iran as well as other moves made by President Donald Trump’s administration, including his mass deportation campaign.
Students from the north suburban school carried signs that read “war is costly, peace is priceless” and “Abolish ICE,” a slogan calling for the end of the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
They walked to the school’s football field a few blocks away, where about 150 students gathered in the blue and orange stands. Speakers called for peace in Iran and other areas experiencing conflict, such as Gaza and Ukraine.
It’s the latest in a string of student-led walkouts at high schools nationally and in the Chicago area but Friday’s walkout appears to be one of the few centered on the war in Iran. Students said they’ve discussed the conflict among themselves and in school. Teachers have had to figure out the right way to talk with students about the war.
Students at this school have walked out before. In January, they marched to protest ICE. Some students are planning on participating in Saturday’s “No Kings” protests.
Senior Lillian Roth has listened to a close friend who has family in Iran talk about the uncertainty she feels as the month-long war rages on.
“It’s really heartbreaking to know that there’s nothing she can even do about it, and there was really no reason for the war in the first place,” Lillian said.
Lillian is worried about the financial cost, too. The 17-year-old would rather the U.S. put the billions it has spent on the war with Iran toward other causes, like education, health care or improving infrastructure.
“There’s so many better things to put that money towards than war,” Lillian said. “My friends and I will talk about it outside of school, and it’s a pressing issue to all of us.”
More than 1,900 people in Iran and nearly 1,100 people in Lebanon have been killed in the war. Millions have been displaced. Eighteen people have died in Israel, while four Israeli soldiers have also been killed in Lebanon. Thirteen U.S. military members have died.
“We’re all just scared of the death and the destruction that the major war powers are enacting, and it’s ridiculous, quite frankly,” said Kevin Watts, a junior. “I think the students here know that and they are fighting against it with this and with other protests.”
Kevin, a member of the school’s student union, which organized the protest, said while students are discussing these issues amongst each other in and out of school, the rally was also intended to raise awareness among those who aren’t as plugged in.
“People are definitely aware of what’s happening with immigration. They’re aware about the war. Many of our students drive so they’re aware that the gas prices are going up,” Kevin said. “Some of them may be wondering why, which is why we have things like this.”
Students at the rally on Friday also offered other ways their classmates could make their voices heard. Organizers handed out flyers with information about how to contact local representatives to share their concerns about the war, immigration policy or other issues affecting young people.
Freshman Valeria Miranda, 14, walked out of school to protest the Trump administration’s deportation campaign.
“My family is from Mexico and I feel awful about what’s happening,” Valeria said. “How people get deported straight off the streets. … I’m oftentimes scared that it could be my parents who are next.”
Valeria said more young people should be speaking out and was disappointed at the turnout for Friday’s protest which drew a fraction of the 3,400 students who attend the school.
“The stands feel kind of empty and I wish that more people would have come out,” Valeria said. “Because right now things are awful.”
Contributing: AP
