Key takeaways
- Student walkouts have a long history in Texas as a form of civic expression tied to education equity.
- State leaders have threatened investigations and funding consequences in response to recent student protests.
- Immigration enforcement activity near schools disrupts learning and harms attendance and achievement.
- Students retain First Amendment rights to peacefully protest within public school systems.
- Educators and school districts face growing pressure as students organize around community safety concerns.
Resource from the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), a nonprofit advancing education equity.
February 6, 2026
As students lead walkouts in defense of their neighbors, families and friends across Texas, TLEEC stands with them in support of their right to peacefully protest against the violent atrocities being committed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). For 25 years, the Texas Legislative Education Equity Coalition (TLEEC) has advocated high-quality public education with a focus on racial equity for all children. TLEEC’s history stands on the shoulders of students who led walkouts at the height of the civil rights movement.
We empathize with student organizers and those participating in walkouts across the country, especially here in Texas. From Fort Worth to Houston, San Antonio to El Paso, in cities and smaller towns, young people are pushing back against the dangerous climate of fear and chaos the current federal administration has manufactured through violent immigration enforcement.
On Friday, January 30, Governor Abbott directed the Texas Commissioner of Education, Mike Morath, to investigate Austin ISD following student protests at one of its campuses. He threatened to withhold public school funding from schools where walkouts take place. On Monday, February 2, Attorney General Ken Paxton vowed to investigate Austin ISD in response to the recent student protests. The Texas Education Agency released guidance on February 3 about their plans for investigating educators and school districts in relation to student walkouts.
These actions undermine students’ First Amendment right to freedom of expression and arbitrarily punish school communities that prioritize student safety as students learn to exercise their civic responsibility. TLEEC recognizes Texas students for continuing the state’s tradition of community defense through civic engagement.History demonstrates how student walkouts have propelled major social change for the public good.
The 1968 Chicano student walkouts in Edgewood ISD drew national attention to school funding inequities when 400 students walked out of their school to protest unfair funding, lack of appropriate resources and a shortage of qualified teachers. The walkouts led to court challenges to the state’s school finance system, which continues to shape and affect students’ educational opportunities today.
Today, students face increased ICE activity in neighborhoods and near schools. Research tells us that enforcement activities disrupt learning, hurt students and families, result in lower attendance and achievement, and threaten students’rights to safely attend public schools regardless of their immigration status.
We know that Texas students persevere in the face of all threats, including those inflicted on communities by ICE. They will continue to organize, support their peers and defend their educational opportunities. We stand with Texas students who are demanding their right to attend schools that are welcoming and safe places for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
The member organizations of TLEEC unequivocally support students’ freedom to express solidarity through peaceful protest. We support student-led actions that demand safety and well-being for all young people and their families to freely and safely access schools.
We will continue to advocate for equal educational opportunities for students, including immigrant students, and stand in solidarity with all who pursue these objectives.
Resources to Support Students
- ACLU of Texas Students’ Rights Hub – resources help K-12 students, parents, educators and advocates create inclusive schools where students are safe, supported and treated with dignity
- IDRA SEEN Resource Hub – We All Belong – classroom lessons, including a set on the Edgewood Walkout of 1968
- IDRA – Education of Immigrant Children – resources for educators, families and advocates
- SEAT Restorative Civic History Zine – tells a story about students facing Texas-sized issues that impact our futures.
Texas Legislative Education Equity Coalition (TLEEC) is a collaborative of organizations and individuals with the mission to improve the quality of public education for all children, with a focus on racial equity. The coalition convenes organizations and individuals who advocate in the interest of public school students at the local, state and national levels.
TLEEC Signatory Member Organizations
ACLU of Texas
Asian Texans for Justice
Coalition of Texans with Disabilities
Educators in Solidarity (EIS)
Ethnic Studies Network of Texas (ESNTX)
Every Texan
Houston Community Voices for Public Education
IDRA
Latino Texas Policy Center
McNeil Educational Foundation for Ecumenical Leadership
SEAT (Students Engaged in Advancing Texas)
Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS)
Texas American Federation of Teachers
Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE)
Texas Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (TADOHE)
Texas Hispanics Organized for Political Education (HOPE)
UnidosUS (formerly known as NCLR)
FAQs
What prompted recent student walkouts in Texas?
Students organized walkouts in response to increased ICE activity affecting their families, neighbors, and communities. Many students cite concerns about safety, fear, and disruption to learning.
How have Texas state leaders responded to these walkouts?
The governor and attorney general have called for investigations into school districts where walkouts occurred. State officials have also threatened to withhold public school funding.
Do students have a right to participate in walkouts?
Students have First Amendment rights to freedom of expression, including peaceful protest. School responses must account for these constitutional protections.
Why does TLEEC reference the 1968 Edgewood walkouts?
The Edgewood walkouts drew national attention to school funding inequities in Texas. They led to legal challenges that continue to influence the state’s school finance system.
What does research say about immigration enforcement near schools?
Research shows that enforcement activity disrupts learning, lowers attendance and achievement, and interferes with students’ ability to safely attend school.
What resources are available to support students and educators?
Organizations including IDRA, the ACLU of Texas, and SEAT offer guidance, classroom materials, and legal resources related to student rights and civic engagement.
