Currently under the Trump administration, many students are living in constant fear because they don’t know if their parents will be waiting for them as the school day comes to an end. Many have stated their frustrations, and began to protest during school hours. 

These protests are meant to be a sign of change, and yet the Texas government feels threatened and has asked for the arrest of students. 

Governor Greg Abbott stated “Harming someone is a crime — even for students. Disruptive walkouts allowed by schools lead to just this kind of chaos. Schools and staff who allow this behavior should be treated as co-conspirators and should not be immune to criminal behavior. We are also looking into stripping the funding of schools that abandon their duty to teach our kids the curriculum required by law.”

This comes after the arrest of two juveniles who were confirmed to not have been arrested due to the protest. These actions from the governor should be deemed unacceptable, as he is trying to silence students through fear and manipulation. Students have the right to express their fear, concerns and their desire for change, and not be treated as “threats to public safety.” 

Throughout history, students have been the main catalysts for many monumental moments. Activism from the youth has pushed society to create reforms and solve issues through protests, such as civil rights, and anti-war protests. 

Supporters of Abbott’s decision bring up the discussion that educational laws must be followed, and what students are doing is “illegal.”Stating that school rules rule over any federal law, when it’s happening during school hours.

Advocates say that the actions of the governor is an attempt to silence people and limit their constitutional rights. The First Amendment does not revolve around school hours in order to be valid or justified. 

These students are living in fear, not knowing if they’ll be able to see their parents at the end of the day. Some of them are more than frightened, as they feel targeted all the time. School should not be used as a way to silence students. Students are under the protection of the First Amendment, and no politician can infringe on those rights. Politicians feel the pressure when  students are protesting, and know that change will come eventually.