A group of parents in Gahanna, Ohio, claims that their children have been singled out and harassed for refusing to participate in school-wide protests related to ICE. While we understand that these are turbulent times, we cannot force others to do something they do not want to do
Three concerned fathers spoke with Libs of TikTok after allegedly witnessing troubling treatment of children across the Gahanna-Jefferson public school system. The first father described a walkout at his daughter’s school protesting ICE. Although the Ohio school stated that the walkout was not a “school-sponsored activity,” it also said it supported the students’ right to protest. According to this father, students participated in a demonstration where they chanted and held signs condemning ICE, some of which included profanity. What concerned him most, however, was that students who chose not to attend the walkout were allegedly bullied and harassed.
“What kind of message does the school send to them when they’re afraid to go to school?” the concerned Ohio father asked. “Are we telling them they should just be quiet? That their opinions, their beliefs, and their values don’t matter?”
Jon Handler, another parent, said a protest took place at one of his children’s schools. He described it as student-led and teacher-observed. Calling the situation “disappointing,” Jon said he believed the teachers were supporting the protest rather than merely observing it. Like the first Ohio father, Jon also pointed to the “vulgar” signs displayed during the protest. He criticized the school system for “creating a divide amongst these students.” According to him, his daughter’s high school now feels like a “civil war.” Jon added that students who refused to participate were called names or labeled as racists or xenophobes.
Finally, the third parent, Todd Emoff, said that approximately 200 high school students walked out of school to protest ICE. He and other parents were “shocked” that the district would allow such a demonstration to take place during school hours. Todd, echoing the concerns of the other parents, claimed there was a clear divide among students, with “kids being set against each other.” He said the board allowed a political action that resulted in “division and animosity being injected into the student body.” He is now considering removing his youngest child from the public school system.
Many Believe the School Shouldn’t Pressure Its Students
Users reacted with shock to the allegations, condemning the reported bullying of students over differing opinions.
“I graduated from there. Disgusting behavior from all involved.”
“Get your kids out of public schools.”
“I’d bet half these kids don’t even know what ICE stands for.”
Based on their remarks, the three parents appear open to further discussion with the Gahanna-Jefferson public school administration in Ohio.
