VIDEO: Chief Sealth, Denny protest march, part of 5,000-student walkout at 20 schools citywide

2:05 PM: It began with the preannounced 1:30 walkout – which we’ve been covering on Twitter – then two gatherings on the south side of Thistle, and now hundreds of students who left school in a pre-announced protest of last week’s election results have marched east on Thistle toward Delridge, with police ahead and behind them.

March heading east on Thistle pic.twitter.com/Tr1Vt1cNQB

— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) November 14, 2016

2:08 PM: They headed southbound on Delridge, and now have turned west onto Trenton, according to WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand, who is walking alongside the crowd.

2:22 PM: Still westbound on Trenton, past Westwood Village.

(added) The signs below represent the biggest concern we heard from talking to groups of students in the crowd – that immigrant relatives and friends would be forced to leave the country.

We’re also hearing scattered reports of protesters in other parts of West Seattle – a group south of Admiral, a group near Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in North Delridge.

2:34 PM This had wrapped up with students returning to the Sealth/Denny campus. Denny is now out for the day; Sealth’s final bell is 3:15 pm. And yes, that’s a TV helicopter, though there’s not much to see.

2:55 PM: Thanks to those who forwarded a note sent to Madison families saying about 50 walked out. A group walked out at Pathfinder K-8 too (thanks to Lisa for the note). And Justin tweeted this from Jefferson Square:

@westseattleblog West Seattle High School student having another Walk Out protesting Trump. pic.twitter.com/4hMsQVVlxE

— Justin Rush (@justin_devs) November 14, 2016

As far as we know, all the walkouts/protests in West Seattle are over now.

4:23 PM: More photos added inline above.

4:40 PM: We just checked with Seattle Public Schools spokesperson Luke Duecy regarding district policy for today’s walkouts. As was the case with last week’s West Seattle HS walkout, he says, “When a student leaves school without permission, the district considers that an unexcused absence. Students may not get the chance to make-up work missed. That decision on whether to allow a student to make-up work is up to an individual schools’ principal.” The district estimates that 5,000 students in all walked out of 20 middle and high schools, including Sealth and Denny, today. Also:

Seattle Public Schools is steadfast in our support for all students. While the protests are not sanctioned by the district, SPS students do have the right to peacefully demonstrate and express their personal views.

Any time a student leaves school without permission the district considers it an unexcused absence.

Staff are not taking part in the student-organized demonstrations. Some staff could observe students during their protest for safety and security reasons.

As a district we are responding to the requests and needs of our community and many schools are developing lessons and activities to have appropriate, post-election conversations in school buildings.

Regarding staff “observ(ation),” we saw both Sealth principal Aida Fraser-Hammer and Denny principal Jeff Clark on the sidewalk along Thistle, as well as assistant principals and at least one school security official who was telling students from the start of the walkout that they had to do it off school property (unlike some smaller demonstrations we covered earlier in the year which happened on the plaza by Sealth’s entrance).

aRF November 14, 2016 (2:06 pm)

Way to go Chief Sealth!

West Seattle mom November 14, 2016 (6:41 pm)

I would not define a peaceful protest as a large group with a constant rant of profanity. I have a video of these kids screaming f#*k Donald Trump all the way from Westside Presbyterian down California Ave towards the junction and the adult supervision wasn’t encouraging a peaceful protest at all!!!

You are are proud of this? I would post the video but it has a male student holding up both middle fingers and shouting f#%* donald trump I am guessing he just wanted to be inappropriate and probably doesn’t know the platforms of either candidate

Let’s agree that both candidates had issues. We did not have a perfect candidate to elect. But if Clinton was the president elect and people were yelling this about her, it would be considered inexcusable and probably labeled a hate crime. Can we agree that hypocrisy is the worst?

I would encourage students to research Clintons involvement in

Afghanistan and Iran

NAFTA

weapons illegally sold to rebels in Libya and Syria via Qatar

Benghazi

DNC rigging primaries

Saudi visas

continuation and future premiums of Obamacare

…and Clinton’s joke about Ghandi owning the gas station down the road?–not just inappropriate but also RACIST

just to name a few….and they might start to see the other side’s concerns and reasoning for voting in another direction.
- Sealth BSU Prez November 14, 2016 (8:53 pm)
  
  You are referring to West Seattle and not Chief Sealth @West Seattle Mom
  - WSB November 14, 2016 (9:20 pm)
    
    Sorry I didn’t catch that earlier. I don’t know whether the group WSM mentioned was WSHS or Madison but as covered both in our story above and on Twitter as it happened, the Sealth and Denny students went Thistle/Delridge/Trenton/back to campus, miles away from the area WSM mentioned.
- Ivan November 15, 2016 (4:45 am)
  
  West Seattle mom says:
  
  just to name a few….and they might start to see the other side’s concerns and reasoning for voting in another direction.
  
  —
  
  I think they did see it. I think that’s why they marched.

MsD November 14, 2016 (2:16 pm)

A group of kids with police escort just came up the sidewalk headed south on California. They looked like middle school age. Was wondering if it was Madison? In any case, it was good to see them exercising their right to peacefully protest something that will affect their lives.

WSB November 14, 2016 (2:20 pm)

The only people who announced to us ahead of time was Sealth, but other schools might have spontaneously joined. We just heard about a crowd near Youngstown, and I’m seeing some e-mail about others – TR

Wsmom November 14, 2016 (2:26 pm)

About 60 middle schoolers walked out from pathfinder.

DFW November 14, 2016 (2:27 pm)

The kids are alright!

m November 14, 2016 (2:28 pm)

Proud of my Sealth son and his classmates for peacefully engaging in what matters most to our country right now (no matter who anyone voted for) and for exercising their rights. I’m fully supportive of my son’s participation and understand and accept the District’s decision to count this as an unexcused absence with no other discipline or punishment.

kayo November 14, 2016 (2:29 pm)

Proud of these kids for exercising their First Amendment rights. They are the future. In 4 years they will be able to vote. It gives me hope.

Krista November 14, 2016 (2:29 pm)

Pathfinder was out there!

sam-c November 14, 2016 (2:41 pm)

Aren’t they still?

still hear protesting continue (go kids!)

Moose November 14, 2016 (2:30 pm)

Right on!!!!!!!!!

kayo November 14, 2016 (2:32 pm)

I should have said in 4 years they will be able to vote for a new president! Many will be able to vote sooner than that (if they couldn’t in this election) and will make a difference. Happy to see this peaceful protest.

lk November 14, 2016 (2:33 pm)

Got an email from madison saying about 60 kids walked out today

WSB November 14, 2016 (2:53 pm)

Thanks, two people have forwarded the Madison e-mail to us, no advance announcement or we would have split up and been there too. Also thanks for the Pathfinder mention, checking the e-mailbox. We’ll be adding news of those to this and broadening the headline.

Truth November 14, 2016 (2:36 pm)

Go to class and learn something. Also can this stupid helicopter go away.

Maureen November 14, 2016 (2:37 pm)

Pathfinder middle schoolers were the ones by Youngstown on delridge. I sent in a video…

No sure how I feel. November 14, 2016 (2:38 pm)

I am not sure I agree Middle School kids should be in this mix? I just have a bit of conflict: I think they have the right to be upset and protest, but most of us parents want more class instruction time but then we are seeing students our walking the streets. I am all for timely protests but now it is almost a week later they should be in class learning something about our political system, how it works, how this vote went a different direction than most thought would happen etc. Leave the protests to after school hours when the students can be watch by their parents not our teachers.

Bonnie November 14, 2016 (3:01 pm)

My daughter called me with mixed emotions if she should go or not. I didn’t tell her no and I didn’t tell her to do it. I told her it was up to her. In the end she didn’t go, I think she was too nervous as I would have been in middle school.
- JC November 14, 2016 (3:17 pm)
  
  Luckly my son had a Dr’s appt and I pulled him out before this. He was not wanting to participate in a walk out or protest and afraid to say no in fear of backlash from other kids (peer pressure) calling him names etc and assume he supports our new president -elect. So sad that I know of other kids who feel the same, but they just shut up and do it anyway.
  - Danielle November 15, 2016 (12:22 pm)
    
    JC – I wanted to thank you for your post. It spurred a conversation at our dinner table last night, an opportunity to talk to our daughter about not judging people based on whether or not they chose to walk out. We talked about how her choice to walk out was no more valid than another students choice to stay. We also talked about the need to stand up for another student if they are being picked on, no matter what the reason for the taunting is. Thanks again for posting, your comment was valid and appreciated.

Al November 14, 2016 (2:40 pm)

I think its great

Danielle Slota November 14, 2016 (2:44 pm)

I’m proud of our kids for taking action, and I am proud of our community for supporting them.

Go Dolphins!

Author November 14, 2016 (2:45 pm)

Man.. I wonder how big the protest would have been if Hillary won(considering both sides were very firm on their votes and trump won). Its nice to see people stand up for what they believe in peacefully.

Pops November 14, 2016 (3:58 pm)

Maybe you are trying to say something subtly but I’m willing to bet my house that nothing (no protests) would have happened if Hillary won. Not on the west coast anyway.

Molly November 14, 2016 (2:55 pm)

Why are they carrying the Mexican flag?

Danielle November 14, 2016 (3:56 pm)

My guess is that it is in response to the hate speech directed toward our Mexican community by Trump during his campaign.
- WSB November 14, 2016 (4:05 pm)
  
  Some of the Latino students in the crowd (video still processing) told us they are worried about family and friends having to leave the U.S.
Sealth BSU Prez November 14, 2016 (8:57 pm)

Our message was to spread the word of the fears of those. We as a soon school wanted to show our Unity with each other and was asked to bring out flags to let be known who is down and ready to build unity and solidarity within each other.

Jeannie November 14, 2016 (2:57 pm)

Yes to these kids! Speak up and speak out! In this era of Twitter and “followers,” it’s important to take a stand and express yourself.

Gene November 14, 2016 (2:59 pm)

Wonder what comes next. Getting out of school early- that’s great- that’s the easy part. The hard work for these kids – most of whom will be voting age in the next election- comes after the walkouts. Hopefully they will continue to be engaged & work for the change they want to see in their community, city, nation & the world. Too many young people- young adults are just plain apathetic–( many older folks are as well) If this election has galvanized them to be active participants in the process then it’s a very good thing.

Chuck Jacobs November 14, 2016 (3:16 pm)

I support the student’s right to free speech. I do not support their decision to skip school to do so. I also think it’s wrong for school teachers, administrators, or other employees to encourage them one way or the other.

For those who applaud the student’s bravery, how brave is it to protest a candidate who received only 21% of the vote in King County? How brave is it to walk out of school when you know you won’t bear any consequences?

My advice to the students of Seattle: Work hard and improve yourself in whatever you do. Listen to people you disagree with, it will help you make your own arguments. Do your own research and verify your facts, a lot of people in this country are paid a lot of money to convince you of things that aren’t true because it benefits them. Smile and be pleasant to everyone.

BiggerBigot November 14, 2016 (4:20 pm)

Do you have a child in the school system Chuck Jacobs?
- Chuck Jacobs November 14, 2016 (6:31 pm)
  
  I do not have any kids in the school system. I am a scout leader for kids that age, though.

JRR November 14, 2016 (3:23 pm)

Love to all the children.

Truth November 14, 2016 (3:35 pm)

I hope they arrested these kids for protesting in the street. You have the right to do so, but not in the street and blocking traffic.

Justin November 14, 2016 (5:27 pm)

“truth” this is a first amendment right and a good education in peaceful civil disobedience, I don’t understand why this upsets you I would think seeing the youth active in their world would be something to celebrate rather then suggest they be arrested.
Sealth BSU Prez November 14, 2016 (9:02 pm)

People like you are why we are protesting. We have to show solidarity because people don’t support us. They rather us be arrested than self educated and loving. You are apart of the reason and I will be the one to tell you that now. Why arrest our youth? It’s OUR further, you had yours and you won’t be able to do much after awhile, when my peers and I have a long ways to go. It was to show unity, power and solidarity. So before you think about arresting youth, listen…thats the TRUTH not you.

p.s. I spoke with an officer personally today and guess what he told me, “Next time give us an email or call and we’ll block the road for you guys before you guys start” So how do you feel now? Arrest me, because they won’t do it for you.
- Truth November 15, 2016 (2:05 pm)
  
  You still dont have the right to be in the streets blocking traffic and the cop doesn’t have the right to help that. It is his job to up hold the law.
  - Sealth BSU Prez November 19, 2016 (1:44 pm)
    
    I have a right to whatever I feel is necessary, you don’t have the right to tell me that I cant stand up and make a point that this world is already dehumanizing and disrespectful. My family has been told they don’t have a right to a lot because of their skin growing up, students have been told they don’t have a right because of their sexuality, if you’re such “These are and aren’t rights person”, give me a reason why I don’t have a reason to go out and do what I’m doing. Cars obviously found detours, we can’t find a detour to reality so explain to me were you in that traffic? Does this disturb you? Tell me

3xcharmama November 14, 2016 (4:01 pm)

Just FYI I don’t believe the administrators were encouraging or discouraging it. I believe they were told to not to.

Proud Pathfinder mom November 14, 2016 (4:03 pm)

This is a great learning opportunity for students. You can’t learn how to peacefully protest in a classroom. Their voices need to be heard.

D-Mom November 14, 2016 (4:09 pm)

So proud of these kids, learning to stand up for what they believe in! I just saw on the news that this will be marked as an unexcused absence. Why is that if the parents excuse them?

JT November 14, 2016 (4:17 pm)

No, but you can learn something useful in a classroom and protest on your own time. One day of class isn’t any big deal? Then let’s shave a few days off the school year and trim the education budget.

WSB November 14, 2016 (4:35 pm)

“Trim” the education budget? The state already is not fully funding it as it is.
- JanS November 14, 2016 (6:51 pm)
  
  and, TR…they are actually talking about doing away with the Dept. of Education entirely. How smart is that? Seems to go along with “keep the stupid.” :(
  
  Proud of these kids…they actually did something import. Not quite like the kids who cut class on a regular basis and hide in alleys (mine), hanging out, smoking pot, being a nuisance. Damn, I sound like a fuddy duddy here….sorry about that.

Duwamesque November 14, 2016 (5:00 pm)

Funny to hear the folks who don’t approve of kids “skipping class,” as though this is just an excuse to play hooky. My guess is those kids are scared about a US government run by a bigot, who promises to deport millions and ban all Muslims.

I wish those sitting in their armchairs grumbling about the protests had half as much bravery and civic engagement as those students. Civics 101: how to take back your democracy.

Hawkbit November 14, 2016 (5:27 pm)

Yes, 100% this.

I am so proud of our students, upwards of 5000 across the city that have stood up to tell us their beliefs. I left school in 1991 for a day to hear President Bill Clinton speak before he was elected president. I learned more in that day than I did in weeks of lecture. Being part of events is more important than simply hearing about them.

I am excited for these students to be able to voice their opinions in our next election!

SaraB November 14, 2016 (5:27 pm)

I’m proud of these peaceful protests! Classroom learning is important, but it’s also important to think critically and be engaged with our government outside the classroom. Too many people failed to vote in this election. I bet most of these kids will remember this day for the rest of their lives, a day when they showed their community that they’ve learned the importance of making their individual voices heard.

Gene November 14, 2016 (5:37 pm)

Well Duwamesque- neither you nor I have no idea wether those who dont approve of skipping class are just sitting in their armchairs- nor do we know how brave they are or have been in their lives. But they certainly have the right to voice their opinions- just as these students are doing- civic engagement is more than just skipping school to march & protest- & with no consequences other than an unexcused absence – it isn’t really that brave either- admirable – ok- a start down the road to civic engagement-for sure.

TheKing November 14, 2016 (6:03 pm)

A lot of the kids in the video look so…..happy?!?

lincolnparkdude November 14, 2016 (6:55 pm)

Civic engagement, seriously!, it’s like a country song, it’s all over but the crying. Marching now is like closing the barn door after the horses got out. It’s not illegal to march so do it but the democratic process was in order and it worked, if they want to try and change something, get rid of the electoral college, that might make it completely fair, then it will be based on a majority of the people and not of electoral votes.

Mark Ahlness November 14, 2016 (7:38 pm)

Extremely happy, and even a little proud, to have been a third grade teacher for some of those kids hitting the streets today. Most of them will be voting for President in 4 years, and I take comfort in knowing that they will remember this day.

aa November 14, 2016 (8:07 pm)

Now that they have had a chance to vent I hope their teachers will help them channel their feelings into positive contributions in our community. I think the saying ‘think globally act locally’ still has a lot of weight. we only have one vote to cast toward a presidential election but there a lot of ways to improve and make change with problems right here.

‘when I was their age..’ I had an ethics class in high school where we were put into groups to find something we thought needed fixing and set about to do it. We weren’t always successful but we learned a lot about the process and all the steps you have to take to create change.

Sealth BSU Prez November 14, 2016 (9:11 pm)

We already are. We channel our actions into the community, especially through the Black Student Union, who actually organized the walk out. We do a lot and we still keep going. Sorry to tell you but we don’t have those ethic classes. We aren’t funded with those things. Maybe that’s something the adults can do and let cont inure to strive for our word. We walked out to show solidarity and unity and most of the time you can’t do that by sticking your head in a text book full of words about a white man and taking over, or through a math equation.
- Double Dub Resident November 16, 2016 (3:52 pm)
  
  You keep mentioning unity and solidarity, yet you keep making remarks about white men that are unnecessary to get your point across
  - Sealth BSU Prez November 19, 2016 (1:49 pm)
    
    My remarks aren’t do disrespect, my remark is to make you see my point of view. I’m mentioning solidarity and unity because people keep saying be in class but where can I learn that in class with my head in a book that has the information it wants but not what it needs. I clearly stated that I can’t get that education of our goal by reading about a white man taking over, so your comment of me “keep” talking about a white man to get mo point across in invalid.

CP November 14, 2016 (8:38 pm)

My daughter went out and protested. We have had discussed the election and aftermath at home at length. What is so sad as a parent is to hear the fear many of these children are feeling. Trump ran a campaign fueled by hate, fear and degrading many groups. My daughter told me she felt “icky” that he had been elected after all the horrible things he said and DID to women. She was sad many of her friends felt fearful and vulnerable.

.he voices of the young people are worth listening to and we should honor their willingness to step up and come together. They get that the world has changed. We will all have to wait and see what Trump does. In the meantime please do not forget these kids are our future. Standing together with unity, respect and showing compassion for each other is a great example for all of us. Today together they literally walked the walk…… that takes guts and character. I will take that over sitting in a classroom any day.

Sealth BSU Prez November 14, 2016 (9:34 pm)

For all of tose who believe this was to ‘skip, leave early or be anti-trump’ you’re oh so wrong my friend.

1. We were in our class and walked out partially into it, not skipping if you were present.

2. We did not leave school early, if you must know students came back sat down and continued their work for the rest of the day.

3. IT’S NOT ABOUT TRUMP OR THE ELECTION. It is about how we are all standing in solidarity to not stand and take any hate. Know what it feels like to be hated? Ever been bullied? You wished somebody cared for you right? To know that people have you back? That’s what students have faced their entire life and better yet more since the election. You have to LISTEN to youth before you SPEAK over them. That is another thing we constantly protest and yell about. WE ARE THE FUTURE, our voices matter too! Stop shutting us up, stop saying “They need to be in class and actually learn something.” We do learn! You don’t praise us when we are so why shout it when we aren’t? Who said this wan’t a way of learning? Today I learned that students face fears and joined in to show it plus their solidarity together. I learned that adults don’t listen but quickly talk crap. We can’t learn to love and support each other through white powerful men, how to find x, writing an essay or running back in forth in a gym class. YOU CAN NOT POSSIBLY LEARN FULLY IF YOU DO NOT EDUCATE YOURSELF. Listen, listen, listen, listen, listen, listen, listen…

kg November 14, 2016 (9:38 pm)

Can we call the Hi-Yu parade a protest and save the thousands of dollars it takes to close California?

An Anonymous Denny student November 14, 2016 (11:05 pm)

Go Denny and Sealth. Im a student at denny (7th) and for those of you who are against us and don’t want us to have a voice, than think again because we are going to stand up for our civil rights. We might not be able able to vote yet for those of you that can vote and voted for Trump, I’m sorry but you made a big mistake. But don’t worry because WE WILL KEEP ON FIGHTING FOR WHATS RIGHT at Denny and Sealth.Do you go for Donald Trump?Then think again, think of all the families that will be separated , destroyed,and most of when you have to pay taxes don’t complain because Trump is the one that is making you pay more.💖Denny and Sealth💖

Thanks, Ms.clausen for inspiring us to do the right thing.

SeattleGrrl November 15, 2016 (12:31 am)

SEALTH BSU PREZ – I am proud that you are representing one of the voices of the next generation to come into adulthood in this country. Keep strong, and keep believing in your ability to make change. Thank you.

Mom November 15, 2016 (6:06 am)

One of my kids protested downtown, walking out from the center school. She didn’t feel pressured to join. She did so out of legitimate concern over our President elect’s promise to discriminate, and his caustic/bombastic campaign where he offended so many people. She cares about her future, and I think benefited from the experience. She’s learning about the collective voice, and that she’s far from alone in her concerns. She’s figuring out how to be an ally to her neighbors who face discrimination. And, her vote will count for the next Presidential election.

Mattheiu November 15, 2016 (10:50 am)

Thanks to Sealth BSU Prez and all the young leaders making this happen. To the adults saying “stay in class and learn” I want to underscore what the youth are saying : this IS a form of learning. I remember in my Masters in Education courses reading study after study about how people learn through participatory social activity, not sitting still and absorbing content. Good teachers know this, which is why they are supporting youth taking action instead of punishing them. What a better way to learn about history than to make history yourself? And to those who are saying walking out is easy, it’s not. Youth are organizing themselves, overcoming divisions, finding ways to communicate across differences (e.g.black-Mexican solidarity), and facing their fears. Adults can’t hold these things up as values then complain when youth put them into practice like this. Finally, as someone with a masters degree in ethics, I want to agree that there should be more funding for ethics classes; but again, yesterday WAS a real life ethics class taught by the youth themselves. Adults if you listen you can learn something about ethics from the next generation.

HPMom November 15, 2016 (11:45 am)

“You have to LISTEN to youth before you SPEAK over them”

So very true, and an important reminder to all of us who are parents. As a mother of a teenaged boy who happened to be one of the Sealth students participating in this event, I think it’s important we remind ourselves of this when it comes to parenting in general. Open and honest communication with our kids is something most of us aspire to, and in my book (yes I know, maybe not your book, though…) Rule #1 of effective communication is really, truly listening. I say this as a parent and a licensed mental health counselor. You may not agree, you may roll your eyes at what might at times seem be your child’s unrealistic beliefs or expectations, but listening is crucial.

BettytheYeti November 15, 2016 (11:49 am)

Last I checked NONE of these protestors elgible to vote. Second, perhaps the time protesting could be better spent with a crash course in civics and how the electoral college works! Third, truth of your convictions allow you to do your protesting after school. Lastly, I agree with West Seattle Mom, if you don’t want to learn about civics how about geography and where the USA is droning and bombing, 7 countries presently.

Truth November 15, 2016 (2:08 pm)

Love the name
Sealth BSU Prez November 19, 2016 (1:52 pm)

Some protesters are actually able to vote and did, second why does it matter? Most of the Seniors/Juniors and some Sophomores will be able to vote by the next election and its OUR future, why is this so hard to understand that regardless of us voting, we still are and will be getting targeted? Some students can’t take certain classes because they have other requirements or its not available. Can you adults stop being the outside speaker and look into a school in our generation? It’s not how it use to be

JT November 15, 2016 (3:41 pm)

All this talk about active listening and respecting the students’ opinions. Is that how they live their lives? Are they listening to the voters that wanted something other than what was perceived as a corrupted, career politician. No, they try to paint with a broad brush that it was all hate and race based voting. It wasn’t. Sure, there is an element of that in all aspects of our lives, But most just wanted to not continue down what is thought to be a bad road. Is that feeling getting the respect it deserves? Does trashing the democratic process demonstrate listening to others and respecting their viewpoints?

It sure sounds more like, “I want what I want, and your beliefs are wrong.”

We should practice what we preach.

Sealth BSU Prez November 19, 2016 (1:54 pm)

Does shutting out a students words because you think it’s unnecessary appropriate? We spend our time listening yet when we ask for people to listen to us the world is crashing i guess.

AceMotel November 15, 2016 (5:16 pm)

To the young people: Here’s something else to learn, and I think you already know this. There are some people who will always try to justify inequity, who will always think they know better, who will try to prevent you from exercising your rights. At best, they will complain loudly about your right to express yourselves. At worst, they will try to silence you. You do not need to listen to these people. Stand up for fairness, and truth, and goodness. Please don’t ever become on of those other people. You have my complete admiration. The future belongs to you.

Londongirl November 15, 2016 (7:19 pm)

When did Trump say he would deport ALL illegal immigrants (and please, stop calling people here illegally something other than illegal immigrant…they are here illegally.) If you read VOX, it says: “What we are going to do is get the people that are criminal and have criminal records, gang members, drug dealers,” he told Stahl. Most unauthorized immigrants don’t have criminal records. If the Trump administration actually limited its deportation efforts to convicted criminals, it would be more lenient than the Obama administration has ever been.” What is so wrong about deporting criminals? Criminals here illegally. Those committing crimes against our citizens? No other country would allow this. We need to draw a line in the sand and make sure that those committing crimes against our citizens are not allowed to live freely and on government assistance (with our tax dollars.) Drug dealers, murderers, illegal criminals that rob, beat and torture should go. Who thinks this is a crazy idea? I’d love to know. To those here illegally and not committing crimes, I truly hope we can find a legal solution that will be a win-win for everyone. I think parents/teachers need to have an honest discussion about our immigration policy, what’s legal and what’s not. And despite your personal opinions, teach the law. Teach how we can make changes to the laws. Teach what it means to come here legally versus illegally. Teach that not all people are coming across our boarders/into our country for a better life. Some ARE coming here to inflict harm/damage.

Sealth BSU Prez November 19, 2016 (1:57 pm)

This is why we are pushing the “Listen to your youth” talk because WE AREN’T WORRIED ABOUT TRUMP! We are worried about how people have been actively and openly racist and homophobic towards students since this election. If you all understood us we wouldn’t have to repeat it. We did it to use our voice because nobody chose to listen to us before. These conversations are good and thats another way of education
Alan November 19, 2016 (3:31 pm)

He has toned it down to 3 million, but a year ago he was promising a deportation force to deport 11 million illegal immigrants.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/11/politics/donald-trump-deportation-force-debate-immigration/

The report a couple of months later suggest that is actually more than the current number.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/federal-eye/wp/2016/01/20/u-s-illegal-immigrant-population-falls-below-11-million-continuing-nearly-decade-long-decline-report-says/

That seems to me to suggest that his intent was to deport all. Like much of what he said, he is now backtracking or denies that he ever said it. It is as if he doesn’t know electronic recordings exist. But he still said it.

onward November 16, 2016 (12:14 pm)

Totally agree!

SEALTH BSU STUDENT November 18, 2016 (11:10 am)

This walkout and protest was NOT ONLY FOR TRUMP. The West Seattle Blog has a copy of the press release the Chief Sealth Intl. High School Black Student Union released. This protest was for standing in solidarity with each other, letting each other know that we support each other and the diversity at our school. We know we can’t change that Trump was elected president, but we can change the feeling of isolation, separation, and fear students at Chief Sealth could be feeling due to recent events. That’s what our protest at Sealth was about.