Lee County students suspended after ICE protest walkouts

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

Dozens of Lee County students have been suspended after participating in protests against ICE arrests at local high schools, with more than 3,600 students involved across 14 schools.

Students at Cape Coral High, Ida Baker, and North Fort Myers walked out of classes, holding signs and chanting against ICE. "It was mostly unity that we want to show," said Kendall Mariner. Jaylen added, "We walked around the school protesting, saying what we feel."

State Sen. Jonathan Martin claimed in Tallahassee that school teachers were involved in organizing the walkouts, although he provided no evidence. "I've heard accusations from just my district in Lee County that school teachers were helping organize political speech in the walkout," Martin said.

Teachers' union president Kevin Daly challenged Martin to provide proof, saying, "I would like for him to show how TALC organized or planned."

Lee Schools Superintendent Denise Carlin stated, "I don't have any information provided to me that shows the union is behind it." Carlin did not confirm the number of students suspended, saying, "I don't have those numbers right now. I don't. I've heard a couple of dozen."

Carlin explained that students were suspended for actions such as jumping fences and leaving campus, which created unsafe situations. "If you jumped the fence and left campus, or you walked out a door and left campus and created an unsafe situation, not only for yourself but other students ... we're not going to put up with that," she said. The district is using videos and written reports to identify students involved in inappropriate actions during the protests.

Carlin emphasized the importance of safety and discipline, stating, "I am NOT okay with unsafe situations and children refusing to listen to the adults in our building." She added, "I'm very clear! We are about teaching and learning."

The superintendent noted that the demonstrations made some students feel unsafe and that the district is re-evaluating its approach in case of future walkouts. The investigation is ongoing, and more suspensions are likely as the district reviews videos of the demonstrations.

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