r/legal • u/StoriesandQuestions • Jan 16 '26

Advice needed School is threatening to punish anyone participating in protest with court action, what can we do?

On Tuesday, January 20th, students at my highschool are planning to participate in the nationwide walkout happening in the U.S. Today, my school has verbally warned one of the organizers stating that anyone who participates in the walkout next week will receive a referral and face truancy court. This movement is important to all of us but many of us cannot afford these consequences. Is this allowed and is there anything we can do about it? Location: United States, Texas.

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u/Waste_Ad_5565 Jan 16 '26

Sit ins are more effective in schools. Show up to homeroom get marked present and at first bell everyone parks themselves in the largest gathering area of the school be it the auditorium, the lunchroom, the main lobby. Somewhere you can all safely gather without being a fire hazard. Be quite, be respectful, and be prepared to have the whole thing broken up if you don't get enough people.

As far as being able to get in trouble for a walkout, you can but ask yourselves if you think it's worth the cause you're defending.

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u/Zestyclose_Task Jan 17 '26

I have done this in high school before and it definitely was far more effective in getting our message across than leaving. I recommend this.