Dripping Springs ISD is aware of reports of student-planned walkouts in protest of recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. Neither the district nor any DSISD campus administrator is organizing, facilitating, or sponsoring these student-organized events.
While students have constitutionally protected First Amendment rights, student safety is always our top priority. Although students may feel compelled to exercise their right to free speech and expression, we believe it is best done outside of school hours and in a way that does not disrupt instructional time. State law requires school districts to ensure students are present for instruction, maintain student safety, and that the learning environment is not disrupted. Any activity or action that interferes with instruction, supervision, or normal school operations is prohibited. Our mission as a school district is to educate students in the classroom and prepare them to be positive contributors to the world after graduation.
Parent permission is required for students to leave campus during the day, and students who leave school for any reason that is not school-approved will be counted as absent, in accordance with district attendance guidelines. Additionally, any disruptive conduct will be subject to discipline in accordance with the Dripping Springs ISD Student Code of Conduct. Once students leave campus, we are unable to ensure their safety. The district is working with local law enforcement in the case of a potential student walkout to help ensure student safety once participants leave school grounds. We are also encouraging families to please speak to their student(s) about the safety risks and repercussions of these types of events when they disrupt the instructional day.
Any questions about this statement should be directed to dsisdcommunications@dsisdtx.us.