Student struck by car, injured during Florida anti-ICE walkout

A minor participating in an anti-ICE walkout on Monday afternoon was brought to the hospital after being struck by a vehicle. The incident occurred on North Military Trail at around 12:30 pm near West Palm Beach, Florida’s Palm Beach Lakes High School.

The West Palm Beach Police Department said that the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement. The student was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

In a statement to WPBF 25, the Palm Beach County School District said, "We are aware of potential student walkouts being planned for today. The School District of Palm Beach County does not sanction these events. Our top priority is the safety of our students and staff. The District reminds all students that leaving classrooms or a school campus without approval is both unsafe and a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Consequently, students who walk off campus are subject to strict disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct." 

"Our focus remains on educating students and protecting instructional time. We appreciate the community’s partnership in keeping our schools safe and focused on learning."

In the beginning of February, Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas wrote in a letter to superintendents that student protests during school hours would not be tolerated and warned that educators should not encourage such displays. 

Kamoutsas wrote that students have a right to free expression; however, actions that violate the law and school policy would be "appropriately disciplined." He encouraged parents to talk to their kids "about the importance of not allowing civic engagement to detract from time in the classroom."

The letter added that "administrators and instructional staff must not encourage, organize, promote or facilitate student participation in protest activity during the school day. Any conduct by school or district personnel that diverts students from instruction, undermines classroom authority, or compromises student supervision violates professional responsibilities and warrants disciplinary action."