VIDEO: West Seattle High School students’ post-election walkout

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10:23 AM: About 200 students from West Seattle High School have walked out of their classes and are headed south on California SW toward The Junction.

(Added: Reader video from Molly – profane language alert)

It’s been described to us as a reaction to last night’s election results.

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10:50 AM: The group has reached The Junction. A TV helicopter has picked up on this so if you are hearing/seeing a helicopter, that is what is going on.

11:15 AM: Sorry about the site slowness – this has caused a huge traffic surge.

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The group rallied at the Jefferson Square corner plaza (photos above and below) and then headed back to WSHS, where we’re told they’ll be talking with principal Ruth Medsker.

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What participants were telling us is, what happened last night does not represent the future that they want, the America that they believe they belong to and belong in, and they will work to embody the values they want to see represented.

Organizer Max Lemke (photo below) told his classmates that they need to be better people, so that there is hope for their future. Love will trump hate, he told them.

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(added) One woman passing by, describing herself as a “proud grandma,” high-fived some of the students:

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11:48 AM: At the school, the principal took the students into the theater so they would have a place to talk. She said she understood they were angry and wanted to express it. Media were not allowed in.

ADDED 5:11 PM: Seattle Public Schools spokesperson Luke Duecy says, “During today’s student protest march at WSHS, students who walked out of school were marked absent and will need to make up any work missed. No students will be disciplined. Instead, staff talked with students about their desire to express themselves and they supported students’ emotional needs. No teachers walked with students. Two vice principals did for safety and security reasons. Some parents also joined.”

While it is not directly related to the WSHS protest, we also are including a statement Seattle Public Schools has issued in the election’s aftermath:

Seattle Public Schools serves a rich and diverse school community. Our students speak 143 languages/dialects and come from 147 countries. Media coverage of the candidates’ positions on immigration, ethnicity, gender, and religion permeated our students’ lives over the last year. Even our youngest students were aware of the polarizing rhetoric. Today, we have heard directly from families who are feeling anxious and concerned.

The election outcome doesn’t change or influence the district’s direction, priorities, mission, or values. Seattle Public Schools continues to remain dedicated to providing positive school climates that promote student learning and development.

We are committed to building school communities where all students, families and staff are safe, respected and engaged. We will not tolerate bullying, intimidation or any other actions that sustain and advance prejudice and bigotry. Our commitment to the wellbeing of each and every student is stronger than ever.

216 Replies to "VIDEO: West Seattle High School students' post-election walkout"

  • waikikigirl November 9, 2016 (10:27 am)

    For or Against you kids go!!!!

     

    Stay STRONG for what you believe in!!!

  • Melissa November 9, 2016 (10:32 am)

    I am so proud of our High School students 

  • Cami November 9, 2016 (10:35 am)

    I love West Seattle.

  • Ryan H November 9, 2016 (10:37 am)

    Kids, here’s your lesson in politics…you will all be old enough to vote in 2020, if this turns out to be the nightmare everyone is alluding to, you can be the ones to kick him out. Otherwise, give it a chance to work regardless of how you feel. Overreaction on both sides is what got us here in the first place. Oh and stay in school…

  • S November 9, 2016 (10:39 am)

    Go to class and learn something, you will need it. 

  • Anon November 9, 2016 (10:40 am)

    I can hear them from my apartment. Stand up for what you believe in!

  • GP November 9, 2016 (10:42 am)

    No doubt this crowd is displaying some immature and off-color teen behavior. But I’ll tell you, I saw some of these kids hugging each other on their way out and it looked really positive and supportive. Kinda beautiful actually. I hope that they, and we as  WS community, continue to look for overt ways to ensure that our minority and immigrant kids feel safe and appreciated.

    • Tim November 9, 2016 (1:42 pm)

      I was lucky enough to see their peaceful protest at the Junction. They showed leadership and passion. They chanted “This is what democracy looks like”.

      One student said, “WE can walk away from what happened yesterday apathetic and defeated over the results of that election  or we can decide to make a change. (applause) We may not have won this election  but every day until then we will have victory because every day until the next election we are going to be better people. (applause) We will show them what it means to be the ideal citizen for all America.”  (applause and cheering)

      Another student said,  “Who here is going to be 18 in the next four years? (applause/cheering) Who here is going to vote to get Trump out of office? (applause/cheering) Who here is going to vote to make our futures and the futures of our families and our neighbors better? (applause/cheering) That’s what I’m talking about!”

      This is what Democracy looks like!

       

  • Johnny Roadkill November 9, 2016 (10:42 am)

    Yes! You are the future!

  • Dawn November 9, 2016 (10:44 am)

    Good for you, kids. Something had to spark a recolution. Revolt!

    • Jon November 9, 2016 (11:02 am)

      “Revolution” and “Revolt”, huh?

      Funny — if your political opposition said the same things about losing today, you’d be having a field day with it.

      It’s over. You didn’t get everything you wanted. That’s how it is sometimes. Move on.

  • Erithan November 9, 2016 (10:44 am)

    Helicopter in area now as well

    • WSB November 9, 2016 (10:46 am)

      That explains the sudden traffic burst. We tweeted, TV follows.

  • sunnyboy96 November 9, 2016 (10:44 am)

    Wow! Very proud of the student who organized such a powerful action. He knows who he is!  

  • JanS November 9, 2016 (10:45 am)

    nothing immature about this…

    ^^^^ what waikikigirl said. I live on 42nd just east of Safeway. They went by before heading to Calif. Ave. Proud of them for standing up like this.
  • Autumn November 9, 2016 (10:45 am)

    I’m fully behind you and if you’re still in the Junction on my way home, I will join you.  Stay strong.  Beautiful. 

  • Julia November 9, 2016 (10:49 am)

    Thank you, students! This has been one hell of a morning, but seeing you out there brought the first happy tears I’ve had in the last 24 hours.

  • rpo November 9, 2016 (10:51 am)

    Probably 150 students and police are everywhere at the Safeway junction now. 

  • WSJoe November 9, 2016 (10:53 am)

    Chopper 7 is on it.  I’d be upset too with the tax burden of ST3 and an out of district resident representing the local district.  

  • Mr. E November 9, 2016 (10:56 am)

    ..”described to us as a reaction to last night’s election results.”

    What is the purpose of this reaction, kids?  I cannot see it clearly through the haze of immaturity.  

    Being honest  :  If you’ve got a message, please make it obvious. And, maybe think about it a little bit more first.  


    Thank you, kids + neighbors.


  • Eman November 9, 2016 (10:56 am)

    Ahhh the intolerance of the left…(insert shocked face here) These children should be suspended. This is not o.k. 

  • Michael Schuler November 9, 2016 (10:56 am)

    Maybe a teach-in about electoral reform would be a good alternative. A walkout to oppose a constitutionally election is as beneficial as electing a demogogue in the name of “change.”

    • Dorothy L November 9, 2016 (11:46 am)

      Are you in the mood to learn more today? 

      I’m thinking  what these kids need is a place where their feelings and thoughts can be processed and shared safely. Schools are often pretty bad at that so they walked out so they could do it together. 

  • Eric1 November 9, 2016 (10:57 am)

    I guess about 200 students didn’t pay attention in class.  The problem with democracy  (representative or otherwise) is that you might think you are “right” but if the majority says you are wrong, then it doesn’t matter if you are right.

    .

    This election was lost by the Debbie Wasserman and the DNC when they validated that the system was rigged against Bernie.  Clinton could have won fair and square but they wanted that woman to be president. She was the only person that could lose to Donald and she rightfully lost a lot of votes to the Bernie or bust crowd.

    Sorry. Bold seems to stuck on.

  • Making America Great November 9, 2016 (10:57 am)

    I BELIEVE IT IS CALLED TRUANCY. THEY SHOULD ALL BE SUSPENDED!

    • Fran Hunter November 9, 2016 (3:20 pm)

      The kids are too young to vote, but not too young to be impacted by the changing face of politics in America.  Chances are they are learning more today about human nature, the political process, and constitutional rights as they  march and talk than they would spending time in the classroom.  As a retired teacher, I’m acutely aware that a great deal of learning does not involve school, though I applaud the principal for making time and space available to continue the discussion.

  • Camilla November 9, 2016 (10:58 am)

    That is called opposition, and also allowed in a democracy. All groups, including minority groups should be represented. Great spirit kids!

  • Mr Class November 9, 2016 (11:00 am)

    Really this from the community that has been Lecturing Donald Trump on how we transfer power…

    Good Job on teaching our kids if you get your way then others need to do what you want.. But when you lose(56million people vote against Hillary) you protest day one

    Bravo!!!!

    • Seattle Sue November 9, 2016 (11:17 am)

      You must allow people to voice their opinions, this is America!

    • Jon Wright November 9, 2016 (11:40 am)

      I’m sorry, this was different than 8 years ago how? Or even 16 years ago? I think the reality is that when the popular electorate is split darn near 50/50, regardless who wins there is going to be a very large number of disaffected people. Hoping that someone in my lifetime will come along and unify the electorate. :-/

  • Kiran November 9, 2016 (11:02 am)

    I am so proud of our community. SO proud of these kids representing our future!

  • Sue November 9, 2016 (11:06 am)

    I couldn’t be prouder of our youth!! Yes, it’s your future that matters! Love you all!

    67-year-old grandma Sue

  • Hold-the-mayo November 9, 2016 (11:08 am)

    “We owe Trump an open mind and a chance to lead.”  Well said Hillary…..very classy!  Hope the parents of these kids help them understand that key point and her grace. 

  • vsporl November 9, 2016 (11:11 am)

     Nice Job future politicians. Be involved! Be heard!

  • sc November 9, 2016 (11:12 am)

    “Leave safety behind. Put your body on the line. Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind–even if your voice shakes. When you least expect it, someone may actually listen to what you have to say. Well-aimed slingshots can topple giants.” –Maggie Kuhn

  • KT November 9, 2016 (11:12 am)

    Ridiculous.

  • Seattle Sue November 9, 2016 (11:12 am)

    I couldn’t be prouder of our youth!! Yes, it’s your future that matters! Love you all!

    67-year-old grandma Sue

  • justme November 9, 2016 (11:15 am)

    This is currently going on all over the US. Google it!! It’s also gone viral.

  • Lou November 9, 2016 (11:16 am)

    Regardless of who wins, it is still a right in this country to peacefully protest things we don’t like.  The idea that those of us should sit down and be quiet because Trump won is ridiculous.  It was basically a 50/50 split if you look at the popular vote (and he didn’t win in Washington state and certainly not in Seattle).  And I told my daughter that there may be consequences for walking out during school (to Making America Great) but if it’s important to her then it was fine with me.  As long as they are respectful and peaceful, I am proud of them for exercising their rights and probably finding some comfort gathering with like minded people (as I did when I was protesting the Iraq War so many years ago). 

  • WSJoe November 9, 2016 (11:17 am)

    I give them credit (so far).  At least they’re not behaving like the anarchists and destroying things.  Good on them!

  • t November 9, 2016 (11:17 am)

    Dear Students,

    I am so sorry for what voters hath wrought, and I am so proud of you for demonstrating.

    Stay strong, grow just a bit, and vote as soon as you can–we need you!

  • Cicely Wylde November 9, 2016 (11:18 am)

    So very proud of my senior daughter’s classmates!!! Regardless of  more “politically educated adults” who see this differently, this is something these kids can look back on and feel that they did what they could to share their views with the neighboring public. 

  • 2 Much Whine November 9, 2016 (11:22 am)

    I much prefer this reaction to the “lock and load and meet on the whitehouse lawn” comments I saw many times from the other side if the vote had gone the other way.  A peaceful protest to send a message is ok by me.

  • JohnR November 9, 2016 (11:23 am)

     Wow what a lesson to teach the youth.  If you don’t get your own way, just walk out.  That is  truancy and they should be punished! Unless you agree with civil disobedience too.   Maybe they should just keep marching north.  Canada is not that far.

  • Ms B November 9, 2016 (11:23 am)

    Amusing how many of you feel they should be punished for exercising their rights.  

    Stand up Westside! Stand for what you believe it! Get the attention, then use it to help you facilitate the changes you feel are necessary in our world! PROUD!! 

    • S November 9, 2016 (12:13 pm)

      It’s not there right to walk out of classes.  It’s there jobs to stay in school and learn and prepare for the future. 

      • Michelle November 9, 2016 (3:22 pm)

        *their

    • bill bob November 9, 2016 (1:52 pm)

      Stay in school? That is something you should have done. 

  • Ann November 9, 2016 (11:23 am)

    My daughter called me from the school when this was going on, and she told me the teachers helped organize this.  I did not vote for Trump, but it is not okay for teachers to advocate and assist underage kids leaving school property.  It’s truancy.  It’s illegal.  

  • Hopeful November 9, 2016 (11:25 am)

    The negative comments disgust me. The freedom of protest may well soon be taken from America to make room for all the other liberties and freedoms that will make America great again. Disidents have been put on notice .speak loudly while you still can. more power to the wsh kids,this is a far better education than anything you will miss in class today.

  • Don Jr November 9, 2016 (11:27 am)

    All together, say it with me now:

    PRESIDENT DONALD J TRUMP

  • Hold-the-mayo November 9, 2016 (11:31 am)

    Ahhhhh, to be 16 again !

  • Sierra Pacific November 9, 2016 (11:33 am)

    I can not agree with MAKING AMERICA GREAT more. Teaching our yutes that it is “OK” throw a fit when you don’t get your was is not right. I am happy to see the millions of dollars that tax payers spend on education is going to good use.  

  • Kadoo November 9, 2016 (11:34 am)

    Love our youth for marching in protest!

  • Michelle November 9, 2016 (11:34 am)

    what you didn’t hear is that a lot of this kids were yelling “F*&^ Donald Trump!”…I’m sorry but if other kids yelled this about Hilary today, we’d have a war on here.   They disrupted class, school and should be punished.  There is a proper way to express your free speech and to disobey school rules and scream obscenities is what we are teaching these children, well, I’m sad for America.

  • Tracy November 9, 2016 (11:35 am)

    This has made me weep with hope. I hope this can be the generation that actively seeks and participates in change instead of our generation that largely complains about it from our sofas. Please, do not lose whatever fire in your soul lifted you from your chairs and walked you out the door, kids. We need you. We’re all so tired and we need you!

  • Carl November 9, 2016 (11:37 am)

    Proud of these kids, too. There is a protest that’s supposed to happen later tonight at Westlake, sponsored by Socialist Alternative, but I think people in general are going.

  • aRF November 9, 2016 (11:38 am)

    Well done WSHS! As my old professor, Leon Litwack, wrote, “History teaches that it is not the rebels, the iconoclasts, the curious, the dissidents who endanger a democratic society but rather the accepting, the unthinking, the unquestioning, the docile, the obedient, the silent, and the indifferent.”

  • Eman November 9, 2016 (11:38 am)

    Just heard on KIRO that Teachers walked out as well. What lesson are they teaching our children. This is also not o.k. The teachers should be held accountable as well.  What happened to dialogue and discussions. 

  • Michele November 9, 2016 (11:38 am)

    All these comments saying the kids should be suspended & sarcastic remarks about what they should be learning are disgusting. These kids care enough to speak out somehow against what they perceive as a problem to our country, something that will create a divide & more if Trump fulfills his promises. At least they aren’t obedient sheep… Too many older people equate obedience with being a good citizen. Wrong. They have the same rights as adults. Let them protest, it’s a very American thing to do. I’d be more concerned if they didn’t care at all

     

  • Heidi November 9, 2016 (11:39 am)

    Way to exercise your right to peaceful protest (please be peaceful). So proud of all of you. This is not about being a sore loser, not about throwing a tantrum when you don’t win. That’s a lazy answer. I count over 50% of these students that have been stereotyped, insulted or harassed by our president elect. We want our young people engaged in our country’s politics. The least we can do is support them in doing so and asking questions, in fighting for what they believe in. Oh, and Clinton did win the popular vote. Consider that means a majority of our nation does not agree with the election results. 

  • SueY November 9, 2016 (11:39 am)

    These kids are learning a hard lesson:  life’s unfair.  Suck it up for 4 years and help to vote him out in 2020.  It’s called democracy. 

  • Kahlil November 9, 2016 (11:42 am)

    Everyone has the right to express themselves, no one can take that away. Walk out was useless or not, they have the freedom to express.

  • Jose November 9, 2016 (11:45 am)

    You don’t have to be in school to learn that socialist policies will never work, you just have to live in Seattle.  These kids will either be the next generation of mindless democrat voters or will wake up to the failure of Seattle’s far left agenda.  I hope it’s the latter.  Good thing the teachers wore “black lives matter” shirts a few weeks ago because we wouldn’t want our children to be exposed to a political agenda in public schools :-/

  • skeeter November 9, 2016 (11:48 am)

     

    I get it that some folks don’t like the outcome of the
    election. 
    I’m confused about the
    comments in support of the protest.
      Are
    we saying elections are not good and we should instead use an alternative
    method to select our leaders?
      Maybe
    someone can help me understand exactly what is being protested.
        

  • Sura November 9, 2016 (11:50 am)

    Inspiring to me to see these teens caring so much  … standing up and walking, wanting to be seen for what they care about, their values … feeling the sadness and mourning, which I hope will strengthen and refuel their dreams …. and help them choose effective action to continue working for the world they want.  I hope they get lots of support.

  • Sharon Rindal November 9, 2016 (11:52 am)

    So proud of West Seattle/Seattle. Proud of our next generation exercising their right to peaceful

    protest. 

  • Joan November 9, 2016 (11:53 am)

    SO PROUD of these students for their collective voice!!!! They can’t vote so I LOUDLY APPLAUD this peaceful protest – may they retain hope and remain actively involved in their country. Let’s keep in mind they  would likely have staged the walkout WITHOUT assistance from teachers so THANK YOU to those educators for safely guiding these young people through their peaceful protest. 

  • Seattlite November 9, 2016 (11:53 am)

    These kids should be sitting in their class rooms learning what the different branches of government are and what they mean, why the founding fathers created the electoral vote and why the American voters took a stand against Obama’s failed policies such as Obamacare, foreign policies (Iran deal), immigration, DOJ policies that have created racial division and on and on, and why Americans decided to vote anti-establishment, anti-elitism, anti-globalism.

  • Eman November 9, 2016 (11:55 am)

    Michele

    Stopping illegal immigration is not divisive, it’s the law.  This nation is 20 trillion dollars in debt and all of our social safety nets for our legal citizens are struggling.  You want real divisiveness just look what the last administration has done meddling around: Egypt, Libya, Syria etc etc telling other countries leaders that they must go and creating the worst immigration crisis that the world has ever witnessed. Not to mention the nearly 500,000.00 people who have died in these adventures.  Elections have consequences…sound familiar.

    • Michelle November 9, 2016 (12:13 pm)

      totally agree

  • Kurtis Lowe November 9, 2016 (11:56 am)

    This is an important moment to take a stand. They are making a statement of solidarity with all of the people who are threatened by the Trump administration because of the color of their skin, their gender, their difference. They are learning one of the most important lessons there is by making a peaceful, public demonstration of support for each other.

  • Peter November 9, 2016 (11:56 am)

    Its not great to miss class but I think that sense these are citizens too young to vote, this is a great way to speak their voices even if it is only a denonstration. Im proud of my Alma Matter and my friends still there.

  • Jaime November 9, 2016 (11:57 am)

    👏👏👏 Super proud of ya’ll… Stand strong… Stay united…

  • SRRA November 9, 2016 (11:57 am)

    Bravo. In full support of you all!  I can’t imagine how upsetting and confusing this is to young adults who look at us to do the right thing and guide them. We epically failed them in this election, and I am glad they are taking action that feels meaningful.

  • rpo November 9, 2016 (11:58 am)

    They have now disbursed. Not sure if it ended or is continuing elsewhere. I watched for twenty minutes, and it was as peaceful as could be. There were teachers and one police officer standing with them too.

  • person November 9, 2016 (12:00 pm)

    Well I certainly understand their dismay and commend them for doing what they feel they should. I hope parents and teachers though might try to qualm their fears in the coming months though by urging people to really understand how this could happen. There are reasons  that propelled Trump to the White House. Much more complex than just racism and misogyny.  Understand and listen to that too. That kind of education will help elections to come.

  • Wcr November 9, 2016 (12:01 pm)

    So proud of these students! 

  • Cherise November 9, 2016 (12:03 pm)

    In 2020, I hope these students vote for a more representative government and a democratic president. (Or maybe move to Florida/the Midwest and vote democratic there, ha.)

  • Stephanie November 9, 2016 (12:04 pm)

    My daughter is a part of this and I fully support her.  I am proud of her and her ability to be heard.  Our kids have values and beliefs and to tell them that they should be suspended or the school system should be reprimanded is ridiculous.  The schools job is to listen to the kids.  Not put them in the corner and build a wall around them.  They are not destroying anything or putting themselves in harms way.  They didn’t skip school and go home.  They are back in school now and feel like they made their point.   I am proud of the way that was handled.

  • Fiwa Jcbbb November 9, 2016 (12:06 pm)

    Proud of these kids. Wish I’d done the same thing when Reagan was elected, but…I was young, privileged, extremely naive, and Republican then. Since, I’ve learned that save for the end of the 55mph speed limit, Conservatism has done exactly nothing for the American people. 

  • Person November 9, 2016 (12:07 pm)

    While I think it should be considered an unexcused absence, it’s probably healthier than sitting around surfing news channels and eating cookies to forget like I am.

  • spaceagepolymer November 9, 2016 (12:16 pm)

    You kids make me proud to be a West Seattleite. 

  • Dee November 9, 2016 (12:19 pm)

    One word Hitler 

    • rick-ws November 9, 2016 (9:08 pm)

      Very thoughtless and reactionary comment.  We have three branches of government to protect us from another of his ilk.  Last time I checked there were no brown shirt thugs beating up citizens and painting Jude on businesses. 

  • steph November 9, 2016 (12:19 pm)

    How dare you people ridicule these kids! They are probably afraid of the future with this madman in office. Their parents are afraid of the future. Did you notice there are kids of color? I’m a gay mother and my wife and I and many friends are afraid of the future. Don’t judge but understand. 

  • Ms. Hopkins November 9, 2016 (12:22 pm)

    I am an English teacher at West Seattle High School.  If you are interested in what students are passionate about regarding political issues in this election, check out the letters they wrote to the next President, which was a national writing project.  https://letters2president.org/sites/271 

  • WS Born&Raised November 9, 2016 (12:22 pm)

    So proud of these students!!! Way to go – stand up for what you believe in! <3 

  • wb November 9, 2016 (12:25 pm)

    Very proud of you!  Way to be peaceful and to be heard.

  • Ron Swanson November 9, 2016 (12:27 pm)

    To all those applauding these students for ‘exercising their rights’, please note that students do not have the right to take actions that “materially disrupt classwork or involve substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others”  under Tinker v. Des Moines.

    • McBride November 9, 2016 (1:36 pm)

      And, to those of you decrying the students for “breaking the rules” – bear in mind, it is the prerogative of the parent to excuse absences.

      I have an agreement with my kids. If there is a political or social awareness event that you feel compelled to attend or participate in, By All Means Do So. In return, I ask the following: Whenever possible, let me know in advance. Do not break the law. Compose yourself in a manner which I would be proud of. Learn from the experience, and share with me what you discovered. And I will excuse your absence. Every time.

      We complain that Civics is no longer taught in schools. We forget that Civics is not a spectator sport.

  • Shauna, Proud Mom November 9, 2016 (12:29 pm)

    I am proud of my daughter and her 199 classmates and teachers voicing their opinion.  Processing emotions and taking actions are important life lessons to learn in the moment.  They will go back to class to learn academic lessons.  Thank you WSHS and WS for being an inclusive community.

  • D November 9, 2016 (12:34 pm)

    I hope they show understanding to the kids that didn’t walk out.  Not all of them walked.

  • Ws resident November 9, 2016 (12:38 pm)

    How embarrassing.  The teachers and students should have taken notes from the speeches made by president Obama and Hillary Clinton.  

  • jrr November 9, 2016 (12:39 pm)

    Thank you, kids. Hate will die, but it won’t go down without a fight.

  • cjboffoli November 9, 2016 (12:40 pm)

    Media were not allowed in.”  

    So the free press were not “allowed” in to a public school.  Foul.

    While I applaud the activism, what’s troubling is that Trump’s voting base seems solidly in the under-educated. So walking out of school hardly seems like an apt symbol of dissent. 

    I wonder how many of these students, if stopped on the street and asked, could explain how a bill becomes law,  what the Bill of Rights guarantees, how checks and balances works, and other basics of Civics.

  • Shauna, Proud Mom November 9, 2016 (12:40 pm)

    I am proud of my daughter and her 199 classmates and
    teachers. 
    They are learning life lessons
    of processing emotions and taking action in the moment.
      From today’s experience, some will take the next
    step to build and act on constructive activism strategies.
      They will also all go back to class to learn
    academic lessons.
      Thank you WSHS and WS
    for being an inclusive and supportive community.
     

  • James November 9, 2016 (12:42 pm)

    This isn’t about anyone not getting their way. This is about the recognition of moral injustice. Maybe the kids shouldn’t study history and wonder to themselves what it would look like if women, LGBTQ, minorities, the non-religious, or any other oppressed group just “accepted” things that were wrong. SO PROUD OF THESE KIDS!!! Faith in humanity restored.

  • fabs November 9, 2016 (12:42 pm)

    You guys are inspiring. Please know you are not just the future you are the NOW and a good example of how the rest of us should follow. Keep fighting for what we need as a community, educated yourself  on the topics that matter you, have challenging conversations,  and always remain active.

  • Jack November 9, 2016 (12:45 pm)

    Until the baby boomers die off, nothing you vote for will matter.  18-25 year olds overwhelmingly voted against Trump.  45+ voted overwhelmingly for Trump.

  • smittytheclown November 9, 2016 (12:47 pm)

    Learn to lose gracefully.

    Have Republicans ever walked out when losing an election?

    Thank god for private schooling.

  • justme November 9, 2016 (12:48 pm)

    @Person…you made me laugh out loud. Love it!!

  • Jack Sparra November 9, 2016 (12:51 pm)

    This act shows that our schools and parents are failing to educate our kids on what the future holds for them..or doesn’t. 120k college education..a local university that wants out of state students…minimum wage hike that will put them out of work as students, gigantic debt, paying for transit that will be full of cost over run and antiquated when completed…allowance for urban development with no parking….and on….how about we do that instead of celebrating their “feelings” as a reaction to the electoral system. Count as absent or trade for attendance in an educational event about how our electoral process works. Hey, have them listen to Clinton’s concession speech. Or Kennedy’s “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country…”!!

    Argh

  • AmandaKH November 9, 2016 (12:56 pm)

    My 7 year old son woke up this morning worried about when Trump will send his Muslim and hispanic classmates away.  Welcome to the new America.  Where a racist, xenophobic, misogynistic man rules the land.   A man who makes fun of people with cerebral palsy, body shames and talks about physically assaulting women.   I am so proud of those WSHS students for standing up and dissenting.  Shame on you that think voting for Trump gives you license to unleash your small minded bigotry on the rest of us. 

  • waikikigirl November 9, 2016 (1:01 pm)

    WOW JohnR…..this is not about these young adults not getting their own way, this is something they believe in and yes we are in the United States of America and we have that right to protest (peacefully as they are doing). And as for your comment  about them to just keep on marching to Canada that was very grown-up of you.

     JohnR November 9, 2016 (11:23 am)         

      

     Wow what a lesson to teach the youth.  If you don’t get your own way, just walk out.  That is  truancy and they should be punished! Unless you agree with civil disobedience too.   Maybe they should just keep marching north.  Canada is not that far.

  • Michael November 9, 2016 (1:07 pm)

    I was thrilled to hear them march by my office this morning! Their generation will lift our country beyond the rubbish that has characterized this election cycle.

  • Annie November 9, 2016 (1:11 pm)

    Good for these kids and teachers – so proud of you all.  I may have just decided where to send mine to High School! 

  • Fiz November 9, 2016 (1:14 pm)

    How about some positive feedback for the scholars who stayed in class and continued their studies?

  • Judi November 9, 2016 (1:20 pm)

    👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻For those of u who think these kids are showing insportsman like behavior, your leader showed us the best example of all:  “Rigged, rigged, rigged!!!  They show more maturity and the American way to affect change. 

  • dan November 9, 2016 (1:21 pm)

    no wonder ,Clinton’s have shown them you can do anything and get away with NO REPERCUSSIONS of any kind can happen , just have a good story about it & change the subject quickly !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     

  • JenL November 9, 2016 (1:23 pm)

    Some serious ugliness, ignorance, and intolerance  in the comments here. Freedom of  speech, a right to peaceful assembly? Any of this sound familiar? Or did many of you just skip right over the First Amendment in your rush to get to the Second? I, too, am very proud of these students! Wish I could say the same about some of our neighbors. If your candidate won, I would think you could afford to be a little gracious to our local youth trying to express their thoughts and feelings in a peaceful way.

  • Michelle November 9, 2016 (1:24 pm)

    Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
    prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of
    speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to
    assemble
    , and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

    – The United States Constitution

  • ws commuter November 9, 2016 (1:27 pm)

    “Learn to lose gracefully”?   I laugh.  Grace isn’t the point.  The irony (and we’ll never know) is that had Trump lost, I have no doubt what kind of graceless ugliness we’d see today.  

    Trump won, God help us … I acknowledge his victory.  It doesn’t change what most people (yes, Hillary won the popular vote) know – and truthfully, what many Trump voters know too – that Trump is a deeply flawed, insubstantial and incompetent man.  So be it – America, by a hair, decided to hand the keys over to this charlatan.  The cynical part of me will laugh over the next couple of years as the wall is never built (and Mexico pays for nothing) and none of the jobs that he lied about bringing back actually come back, and so on.  The patriot part of me is sad for our democracy – that so many people could be fooled by this joke of a man.  Again – so be it.  We’ve done stupid things before; we’ll survive.

    I don’t expect a Trump voter to understand (yes, I am condescending to you now, in case you aren’t clear) why these students have marched.  It is a shocking day for anyone with a brain.  Hence the protest.  They’ll be back in school tomorrow – get over it.  Us “elites” (which is to say, those with a soul and an original thought or two) are trying to comprehend that so many Americans were actually suckered by this guy.  We want to believe better about our fellow citizens.  But today, we have incontrovertible evidence that there are this many fools in our country.  

  • Alki Resident November 9, 2016 (1:33 pm)

    What’s with the insults? These kids are learning a history lesson plus theyre expressing compassion. Im super proud how these kids acted, unsupervised to the junction and back. Zero violence just love. Let them make a statement, they are our future. No need for suspensions or trauancy charges.

  • WSB November 9, 2016 (1:40 pm)

    NOTE: Even after three hours, this story is still drawing traffic many times what we usually get, which has made the site hugely sluggish, and our server managers’ stopgap solution is to freeze the page (not the technical term). We had them unfreeze it so we could add more photos and video but as of about 1:40 pm we will be asking them to freeze it again so the site speeds bac up … that also means that additional comments will not show up for a while.  Huge apologies from us … we have upgraded and scaled up so many times over the years and yet something still comes along once in a rare while and brings site-crashing traffic. We have a meeting scheduled tomorrow to talk about a new scalability solution, and in the meantime we apologize for the inferior service. – Tracy

  • Villagegreen November 9, 2016 (1:41 pm)

    I think skipping a few hours of school to voice your opinion about a man that stated he likes to grab unwitting women by the pussy seems pretty rational.  I don’t think they’re protesting that fact that a republican was elected. I think they’re protesting that a pig  was elected.

  • Bradley November 9, 2016 (1:44 pm)

    Disgusting. We had a fair and Constitutional Election and everyone needs to respect the results. Protesting the will of the majority of the People in an election is as anti-American and anti-democratic  as it gets.

  • JeffK November 9, 2016 (1:50 pm)

    These students are learning to be citizens instead of workers for the Man.

  • alki perspectives November 9, 2016 (1:50 pm)

    For those detractors of the walkout protest: each hateful comment you spew is more fuel to the fire of the protest. It validates they are marching in the right place, at the right moment, and for the right reasons. They won’t forget this moment when they turn voting age. Proud of the civics lesson displayed by our local students. Politics matter, and Black Lives Matter. 

  • alexa November 9, 2016 (1:51 pm)

    My love and respect to these students for peacefully speaking their minds today. No violence, no destruction. Just a visual to any who are scared that they are not alone. No one has the right to silence you. Stay strong.  

  • waikikigirl November 9, 2016 (1:53 pm)

    To all who are against these young adults and what they are doing would you rather them not being in school and being able to assembly like this or have them out doing drugs ripping people off? I’d rather have them doing something like this, something they believe in whether it be that happy about the outcome of the newly appointed President or them not being happy.

    Think about it… 

  • dsa November 9, 2016 (1:56 pm)

    The West Seattle students and staff got this right.  It makes me proud to share space with them.

  • Bill Bob November 9, 2016 (1:57 pm)

    I would think that losing an election that completely wasted 2 years of her remaining life is repercussion for her actions.

  • lina November 9, 2016 (2:08 pm)

    Everyone deserves the right to have their voice heard.  America has a long history of peaceful protest, let’s honor these students for having passion and a desire to demonstrate.  One of my most powerful memories is of my mom taking me to rallies in Boston when I was a freshman in high school.  That political action shaped me.  Hearing youth voices in action gives me hope that things will go a little differently four years from now.  Power to the people and power to the youth voice

  • Kiran November 9, 2016 (2:16 pm)

    ATTENTION ALL HATERS:

    Remember the first amendment? The right to free speech is one of the things that defines our (already) great country. Stop bullying the young people (and this school) for peacefully standing up for what they believe in. IT IS NOT THE JOB OF THE SCHOOL TO TELL STUDENTS HOW TO FEEL AFTER A VERY CONTENTIOUS ELECTION.

    Well done West Seattle High School for giving these young adults a voice. They were organized and respectful and allowed to voice their opinions. Thank you for that.

  • Lori November 9, 2016 (2:20 pm)

    How about all of the schools giving the kids the day off for the Seahawks parade-excused absences. Happy day for sports fans.,well this was an upsetting day for some politically minded kids. Lighten up people & let them have their outlet in a peaceful way.

  • Kiran November 9, 2016 (2:27 pm)

    They ARE learning. They are learning how to be respectful Americans and express their rights as US Citizens. They didn’t call anyone a name, they didn’t suggest taking up arms, they didn’t threaten anyone or accuse them of cheating.  We can’t demand that only the people we agree with are awarded the rights of the constitution. 

    Be gentle today, we will all still be neighbors tomorrow.

  • Bellisanna November 9, 2016 (2:29 pm)

    I’m extremely proud of these kids.  We keep telling them to stand up against bullies, and we have just elected one.  It is admirable of them to stand up for all those in this country whose rights are in jeopardy.  As for those bitching about them staying in school, from what I’ve seen of your grammar and punctuation, you could do with return trip to school to learn about not only grammar and punctuation, but also the right of peaceful protest. 

  • kiran November 9, 2016 (2:30 pm)

    Actually, you are mistaken. Peaceful protest is their right.

  • sw November 9, 2016 (2:31 pm)

    I will make the assumption that most of you simply do not realize what it’s like to be a high school student in today’s world.  They have such high expectations placed upon them to learn, be successful, become productive members of society, save the world…  and will be “rewarded” with enormous college debt in their quest to try and live up to these expectations.  No pressure, right?  Add in additional life stress for minorities, LGBTQ, the impoverished, the hungry.  Every day these kids deal with pressures that you could not even conceive during your high school years.

    Kids today know more about the world around them than you think.  Some of it is misguided at times, but they also realize the consequences of the adults making the decisions more than previous generations.  As a result I have had more meaningful in-depth political conversations with my WSHS Senior than I have had collectively with my parents.  

    Don’t underestimate these kids.  They know their future is at stake, and are well-informed thanks to being savvy in technology and social media.  They live in a different world than the one you grew up in, and most don’t like what they see.

  • Mr E November 9, 2016 (2:33 pm)

    So proud of these young adults.   

  • fulana November 9, 2016 (2:37 pm)

    If you think kids should be suspended or considered truant for exercising their free speech in a peaceful way, you have no idea what democracy or education looks like.  Shame on you for judging our kids.  You deserve a Drumpf for Prez. 

  • Sheri November 9, 2016 (2:42 pm)

    Too bad most of you couldn’t vote. You have given me hope again that the youth will make a positive change in this country. When you are old enough, please exercise your right to vote – EVERY time!

  • Proud Mama November 9, 2016 (2:45 pm)

     Will the people who are complaining that the kids should have just stayed in school today please take one second to put themselves in the kids shoes?  They are scared for themselves, their friends and cannot understand why a man who says the things Donald Trump says and what he stands for can actually become president.  Just because they spent an hour voicing their opinions, expressing their feelings in a peaceful and yet boisterous way that teens do does not mean that they didn’t also learn about government and the political process, this isn’t either/or here. Imagine knowing that the fate of last night’s election will affect you, but you didn’t have the right to vote? My daughter participated in this and even with the cuss words in their chants I FULLY support her taking time to process and express and am proud the WSHS staff were there to help them do it in a safe, inclusive and productive way.  This is not about being ‘sore losers’ this is about young people feeling heard.

  • Enlightened November 9, 2016 (2:49 pm)

    All of these kids make me proud to be a West Seattlite and “yes” they are learning about the political process.That is why we live in this great country. Glad that they exercised their  freedom of speech and they did a peaceful protest. After the protest they went back to class and had a discussion. Everyone needs a place to come and talk about how to proceed in the future ,in an inclusive and civil manner. I applaud them for their example to all of us. Use this example to go out in your community, your city, your country and the world at large to be kind and let your voice be heard. 

  • T Rex November 9, 2016 (2:58 pm)

    I am amazed at all the parents here who state they are proud of their kids when I have heard that it was the teachers who arranged the walk out. If this is true, weren’t the kids used as pawns to protest for the teachers?

    I do not have an opinion either way, simply asking the question for clarification.

  • JenL November 9, 2016 (2:58 pm)

    Curious how the comments went down to 77 when there were over a hundred earlier. What’s up with that?

    • WSB November 9, 2016 (3:01 pm)

      I explained upthread that our server managers had to freeze this page to stop it from crashing the server. There are 130+ comments (all unaffected in the admin database) but apparently they at some point just went back to an old version of the freeze, the 77-comment version – I **just** noticed and have sent them several frantic messages – they shouldn’t have gone back to some old version which is also missing photos and videos in the story. You won’t see this until they fix it but apologies again, I hope that is soon. – TR

  • MK November 9, 2016 (2:58 pm)

    Well said.

    • MK November 9, 2016 (3:13 pm)

      Sorry, my comment “Well said”, was way back in the thread to Hopeful.  Seems the reply link is not working properly?

  • Stand up America November 9, 2016 (2:58 pm)

    STOP with the  negative  comments people. Do you not see what these kids are fighting for?? These kids are our future. They are fighting for wanting to be different. They are fighting for being who they are. No child should care about trying to fit in or having to look a certain way to live in America. They want peace and love. Think of it this way ( whether you’re a Trump supporter or not) how would you feel as a parent if your child hurt them selfs or did something to someone because they didn’t fit in?? How would that make American great again?? So as people of America Stop the  negativity against our younger Americans that are standing up for what they believe in.  Stop all the stereotyping and be proud that our kids see the bigger picture better then older Americans today. 

  • Proud WSHS Mom November 9, 2016 (3:00 pm)

    My daughter participated in the walk out and she called me during the protest even though she knew I am her biggest supporter. The staff applauded  (not to be confused with allowing or encouraging) It’s not truancy if your parents support your constitutional right to peacefully protest. 

    Her note for tomorrow:

    Please excuse K from her class, she was ill thinking about Trump becoming our next president.

    Luckily on the next election she can vote to get him out of office

  • Elle Nell November 9, 2016 (3:09 pm)

    This is NOT about not getting your way… This is about morals, values, and standing up for what YOU believe in, what is right… Acceptance vs hate… Selfish vs selfless… Nature vs consumerism… Fascist vs freedom.. Corporatism, capitalism.. And on and on. I hope we open our eyes folks, this is very very dangerous .. We do have to deal with it but we DONt have to do it with our mouths closed!! And surely we will NOT!!! Some will be working towards the next opportunity to bring unity and some will join in the changing of America… Bye bye EPA, open coal mines and the timber industry strives and well, screw your healthcare. They really don’t care if your sick or well. On and on…Yea, here we are…this is more then NOT getting your way.

    And I’ll have you understand, that I could not be more proud of my HONOR student for expressing his right and understanding what we honor and represent .. Way to GO students of West Seattle High School!!!! 

  • James November 9, 2016 (3:25 pm)

    What specific issue are they protesting?  That their candidate lost?

    I agree with the right to assemble and peacefully protest.   It would help if they had a concrete reason other than being disappointed or offended.  

    Since when is ditching class acceptable?  What is their particular cause?

    Are they simply upset that Democracy is tyrrany of the majority, even with the electoral college?   Their actions, while creating drama, lack focus and credibility.  They are no more politically legitimate than the mob rule they are protesting… 

  • rw November 9, 2016 (3:27 pm)

    This isn’t about losing an election. It’s about the character and experience — or complete lack of them — of the person who was elected to help create their futures, whether that includes work, education, or military service.   

    They didn’t have the opportunity to vote, since they aren’t old enough. So perhaps we should consider this their opportunity to express their opinions about the presidential election of 2016.

    I do not have a son or daughter at West Seattle High, but if I did I would have been disappointed if they had NOT participated in this protest.

  • jtm November 9, 2016 (3:29 pm)

    Given the characteristics and diversity of this generation this is the last time we will see an election like this in our lifetime. Boomers are dying, Zers are coming of age – it’s demographics, baby. Go kids!

  • Fairmount Springs Mom November 9, 2016 (3:29 pm)

    I’m really proud of all of you young people

  • jennie November 9, 2016 (3:31 pm)

    They are amazing! Stand and unite for what you believe in!

  • Stand up America November 9, 2016 (3:45 pm)

    Dear Trump supporters,

    Let’s not forget history. You want all blacks, Mexicans, Muslims and all others out because they not the real Americans?? Well truth be told you are not as well the real Americans are the Indians. So if we have to pack our bags so do you. It’s funny how people yell go back to your country as if your ancestors didn’t pack their bags to come here. 

  • M November 9, 2016 (3:45 pm)

    I support them walking out because of the election results. I just wish they’d also walk out in protest of Mayor Murray, Mark O’Brien, Sawant, and Lisa Hurbolt. 

  • WS Mike November 9, 2016 (3:46 pm)

    There are much better ways to voice your opinion that actually benefits the discourse, as opposed to skipping out on school…

  • S November 9, 2016 (4:18 pm)

    Just to clarify for everyone THE TEACHERS WERE NOT THE ONES WHO ORGANIZED this walkout !!!!!! US , the students did and we have the right to express our feelings in a peaceful matter , people who are against or don’t agree with what we did really just fuel us to continue supporting what we believe in 

  • WS Mom November 9, 2016 (4:21 pm)

    High school and college are the times in young adults lives when they become politically aware and experiment with expressing their views.  This is natural, appropriate biology.  To those detractors not supporting students expressing themselves, think back to your youth and give them a break.  This is how it should be.  I have two West Seattle 9th graders – if this option had been in front of them, one would have felt compelled to follow her heart, march and express her discontent and the other would have stayed in class…it’s an individual response and it’s ok…it’s one afternoon and they are in high school. Chill.

  • YEAH! November 9, 2016 (4:36 pm)

    This is one of main reasons I moved back to Seattle.  WSHS students and everyone who have supported them rock!  Dissidents – you’ve got a lot to learn.  Open your minds.

  • wetone November 9, 2016 (4:37 pm)

     Was this the students movement or the teachers ? Sad how Seattle popular votes went to Clinton and people still protest and some vandalize while Seattle Mayor Murray in his speech today calls almost half the US population homophobic and many more derogatory names.  This mayor is delusional….. at best. To bad he couldn’t have some class and smarts joining the ranks with Clinton, Obama and Trump that gave good positive speeches, talking about how we ALL need to work together and better the US .    

  • Roberts November 9, 2016 (4:41 pm)

    @Bradley:

    Protesting the will of the majority of the People in an election is as anti-American and anti-democratic  as it gets.”


    Trump was not elected by the majority of the People.

    • Bradley November 9, 2016 (10:03 pm)

      Trump WAS elected by the MAJORITY of voters by winning the MAJORITY of states, AND, the MAJORITY of the electoral votes (by winning more states). Get over it and get behind our new POTUS….just like our current President Obama advised us this morning with his very nicely-worded speech.

  • RednotBlue November 9, 2016 (4:42 pm)

    You live in the State of Washington.  EVEN if ALL of you had voted, the turnout would have been the same. Sec. Clinton took ALL of Washington’s Electoral Votes. Protest all you want, but if you wanted to make a difference, voting here wouldn’t have mattered. You would have had to go to Florida or Ohio. In Washington, our votes TRUELY do not matter for the President, our electoral votes will always go Blue.  That is why the candidates rarely come here or spend allot of time here. I am guessing that they all skipped their High School Civics class.

  • ScubaFrog November 9, 2016 (5:01 pm)

    I’m so proud of those kids.  They have more sense, empathy, intelligence, wisdom, integrity and honor than half of the American electorate.

  • AlkiGrl November 9, 2016 (5:05 pm)

    Thanks to our youth for standing strong for the true values of our country.  It is not a free and fair election if thousands of voters have to stand in line for HOURS just to exercise their vote, and even then, at times, they are turned away from the polls – if their polling station is even open anymore after massive closures in some states.  Our broken democracy that probably wouldn’t stand up to legal scrutiny if we were under observation.  But in the end, Trump won.  I admit that.  But that doesn’t make him my president. He never will be.  These students know that and they are organizing now against his crazy policies and to get him out of office as quickly as possible. The best possible civics lesson on how to engage in politics doesn’t have to be in the classroom. And good on the teachers for supporting the will of the students.   Wish I could’ve been there!

  • Steph November 9, 2016 (5:09 pm)

    Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

    –First Amendment to the United States Constitution

    You go kids.  Don’t forget to vote in four years.

  • S November 9, 2016 (5:16 pm)

    It is the responsibility of the Seattle Public schools, West Seattle High School, and the teachers to make sure that kids are doing what they are in school for.  Going to class.  If it is true that teachers were in charge of planning this and had a hand in this then they need to be disciplined.  We are paying them to teach are kids not going out an protest something that will not make a difference.  Take the time and speak about it in class learn something about the process. But don’t make this into use vs. them. Unit as one America.  

    • WSB November 9, 2016 (5:21 pm)

      TO ALL: We have added information from the district to the story above. Included that teachers DID NOT participate, let alone organize. We included the student organizer, Max, in the story. You might recall having read about him here before. He’s in the WSHS Band, and when the district had no money for a new tuba, he and some friends busked … for a long time … to raise money for one. -TR

  • Carole A Allen November 9, 2016 (5:22 pm)

    Please don’t class all baby boomers as Trump supporters.  Many of us voted for Clinton.  and I would guess most high school seniors will turn 18 within the year.  You don’t need to wait for 2020. There will be congressional elections in 2018.  Register and VOTE.  Stay involved.  Speak up when you see discrimination in any form.

  • flimflam November 9, 2016 (5:33 pm)

    yet another weird electoral college result. yet another candidate with the popular vote lead loses. electoral college is a scam and should be retired.

  • Ws November 9, 2016 (5:45 pm)

    I would have thought having the teachers and students watch President Obama and Hillary clintons speeches would have been a much better lesson.  Show them what a class act is!  Then discuss ways to unify our nation or even just among peers.  I do not agree this is the way to teach student to express their feelings especially in a school setting.  He is our president.  Now let’s do the best we can to come together as a nation.  There are obviously many people that feel as if they haven’t been represented or heard for years.  They have a voice and the right to vote the way they want to.  We live in a bubble here in Seattle.  

    • Krista C. November 11, 2016 (3:19 pm)

      I listened as they called my President a Muslim (as if it were a bad thing). I listened as they called him a monkey. I listened as they said he wasn’t born here. I watched as they blocked every single path to progress that they could. I saw the pictures of him as Hitler. I listened as they openly said that they will oppose him at every turn. I watched as they did just that. I listened and I watched and I paid attention. Now, I’m being called on to be tolerant. To move forward. To “Get over it.” To accept this…

      I will not. I will do my part to make sure this great American mistake becomes the embarrassing footnote of our history that it deserves to be, as quickly as possible. I will do my part to limit the damage that this man can do to my country. I will vote. I will watch his every move and point out every single mistake and misdeed in a loud and proud voice. Do not call for my tolerance. I’ve tolerated all I can. Now it’s their turn to tolerate ridicule. Be aware, make no mistake about it, every single thing that goes wrong in our country from this day forward is now Trump’s fault just as much as they thought it was Obama’s. I find it unreasonable for them to expect from me what they were entirely unwilling to give.
      They will find no shelter here.

  • 935 November 9, 2016 (6:04 pm)

    Not my president clap clap clapclapclap

    Not my president clap clap clapclapclap

    SMH – yes he is. President-elect Trump is EVERY American’s president. Just as Obama. Just as Hillary would have been.

    Methinks this probably has legs – but more like was used, by many, to skip school.

    • WSB November 9, 2016 (6:37 pm)

      Not mentioned in our story, it was pouring rain. Co-publisher Patrick Sand followed them on foot and provided the weather report.

  • Alyssa November 9, 2016 (6:19 pm)

    I’m a student that participated in the walk out. We did this to protest that our voices are going to be heard

  • Sunuva November 9, 2016 (6:22 pm)

    I was at the Swedish facility on California when my doctor and I and everyone around us suddenly heard these students and then saw them march by. It filled me with hope. It made me smile, which is an amazingly difficult thing to do today. For all those telling them they need to go back in school and be obedient, etc.. You are basically telling them their voice doesn’t matter. You are telling them they can’t have their pudding if they don’t eat their meat. They weren’t able to vote and rightly feel POWERLESS as us “adults” elected someone who SCARES THE CRAP OUT OF THEM.

    So, really, I’m proud of them and they can go back to school whenever they please IMO. I think all of you in this thread who are against this are maybe just afraid and ashamed of what you have done to this country and can’t accept that the kids know better than you. I’m just happy because I was reminded today.. the kids are alright!

  • Jim Ellis November 9, 2016 (6:38 pm)

    The students won’t learn anything about protest and civil disobedience if they are not punished for walking out of class. Hopefully the adults at the school have read Letters from a Birmingham Jail  and will do their part to make sure this is not an exercise in ignorance and naivete.

  • RAE November 9, 2016 (7:22 pm)

    Listen, I am a member of the students who participated in the walk out. Many of us were anxious about missing class but dedicated our time to speak out to the public about something we are beyond passionate about. We came to school to see our peers and our teachers CRYING from the election results. Our friends in minorities were too scared to go to school. This is why we decided to speak our minds. We did NOT arrange this to skip school. 

  • melinda grant November 9, 2016 (7:52 pm)

     

      Today,  it was my good fortune to be at the intersection of California Ave and Erskine when the West Seattle High School students passed-by.   It was so very heartening to see these young citizens, peacefully, exercising their rights as Americans and as democrats.

    To the students and teachers of West Seattle High School:

    Please continue in your efforts to ‘ Make America great, again !’

    You are ‘A-M-A-Z-I-N-G’ and’ HUGE ‘ to the future of our country.

    Thank you.

    Melinda Grant 

  • Hopeful November 9, 2016 (7:56 pm)

    The level of ignorance that some have reached is shocking to me. To all the Obama ney sayers if at least one of you could explain to me and the kids out protesting and anyone else wondering, how is electing a president that fought for universal health care a worse fate than electing a self proclaimed and proud racist and clearly disrespects women who is slated to stand trial for allegedly raping a 13 year old girl ?  As one commenter said by voting you get what you pay for I shudder at the thought of what this country has gotten itself into… at least Trump has the unyielding support of Russia and North Korea . 

  • Janette November 9, 2016 (7:58 pm)

    As  family therapist for 40+ years, this demonstration nd display of freedom of speech rights is an alternative to depression. Suicide rates in 10-14 year olds are way up; teens and young adults need a voice. 

    The responsible principal saw anger and had the intelligence to funnel it into action, the exact recipe for mental health versus depression.

    I heard the kids; and I followed them along, attending their assembly. They spoke to each other, encouraged each other and received positively the input of their principal on how important it is, going forward, to respect their friends whose parents are conservative and voted for Mr. Trump. It doesn’t get better than this, folks!

    Bravo to the students, and to the adults that supported their expressing themselves!

    Where there is self-expression, there is freedom.

  • ECR November 9, 2016 (8:19 pm)

    Didn’t see an edit button.  Meant to say “constitutional” republic and not “democratic” republic

  • Mike November 9, 2016 (8:37 pm)

    It was primarily whites without college degrees that voted for Trump.  Stay in class, graduate and go to college, don’t be like the majority of Trump voters.

  • Londongirl November 9, 2016 (8:46 pm)

    I love kids… I have a few.  I completely get these kids needing to express themselves.  But, protesting an election that was lawful and protecting a winner who won fair and square is not how our ‘republic’ should work.  We are to abide by the results of the  Electoral Votes; not popular.   Maybe the kids should try to better understand why this was the outcome (and parents should help them understand).  Why MI, OH, PA and folks in the south voted they way they did.  I just don’t think that parents in Seattle are teaching their children other people’s thoughts/lifestyles/challenges/fears, etc. (outside of those that they see/feel/hear in Seattle).   All they say about “deplorables” is that they are racist.  That is not a healthy way to help kids understand what their country is about (not just the PNW).  Many of the Trump voters were one issue voters (i.e. OH/PA – bring manufacturing jobs back; WV – keep coal part of their lifestyle fabric; SC – constitutional states rights; etc).  Until you experience what others go through in different parts of the country, you cannot just categorize them as racists” and project that on your kids when things don’t go your way.  Obviously there is real pain out there in the country and that’s why we ended up with Trump and a republican Senate & Congress and the majority of Governors.  Just because Seattle is isolated from this type of pain you cannot discount that it is real.

    • Londongirl November 9, 2016 (8:48 pm)

      Don’t see an edit button.  Meant to say protesting not protecting.

       

       

  • Rhea November 9, 2016 (8:55 pm)

    As a WSHS student who participated in this protest, I can assure you all that this was a student organized operation. We were all marked absent from class and chose to protest outside in the pouring rain for 2 hours in order to express our beliefs and stand up for our fellow classmates, since we cannot vote. Many of my teachers were not happy with our decision to walk out, however, we chose to excercise our rights and discuss current events. Arguably, that is more important to us than learning derivatives on this day. Students understand the consequences of this and that nothing can be changed, but it was a way for us to come and support each other to accept to future rather than whine about not getting our way or to skip class. 

  • F November 9, 2016 (8:58 pm)

    another very proud west seattleite–helps restore my faith  in democracy to have this generation step up and engage. Thank you students for your bravery

  • anyone's mom November 9, 2016 (9:08 pm)

    Wow! Some of these comments are beyond ridiculous! How about before you chastise the staff and students at WSHS, you learn the facts first! The walk out was organized by students, not staff! The last time we checked, these students did still have the freedom of speech and are allowed to let their voices to be heard! The are not being whiny little brats because the person they wanted for President didn’t win. They were voicing that they do not agree with what Trump stand for and how the next four years just might be worst then studying for year end finals! As for them to go back to class and learn about the process of voting and how it works, a lot of the students in this protest were old enough to vote and did vote! So please stop stereotyping them! These kids are our future and from reading the comments above, they are a hell of a lot smarter then most of the adults who have posted negative comments! If you were at the school today, the pain and the struggle was real! There were students who were crying hysterically with the thought of being deported. Girls crying because they will not have a say over their own bodies. Adults crying because the future of our country will not look promising for anyone with the sexist, racist ahole in office! As for he’s our President now, deal with it attitude….last time I checked, he hasn’t been sworn in yet and anything is possible between now and then! So maybe you should take a minute to sit back and think about how these students that you are chastising for their peaceful protest (and a lot with consent and support from their parents) will one day, possibly be the next leader of this country. How they stood up for what they believed in from the very beginning!!!! 

    • Ron Swanson November 9, 2016 (9:44 pm)

      Nope.  Students do not have an unfettered right to free speech in school and can’t engage in speech that materially disrupts classwork or involves substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others. Tinker v. Des Moines.

      In a more rule and less feelings oriented district they could well be facing discipline.

      • MsD November 10, 2016 (12:05 am)

        Ha ha, but they aren’t in that more rule and less feelings district so they are going to be fine, Ron Swanson.  And the vast majority of us support them.  So, no lessons learned for them other than they did the right thing.

  • Tlauer123 November 9, 2016 (9:44 pm)

    Good work,  and so hopeful to see this generation making a stand.  Stay peaceful and respectful and the country will be forced to hear you.  Proud of you all! You can learn as much outside of the classroom as you can inside.  Don’t accept hate and bigotry.  They have never been American values.

  • Fred November 9, 2016 (11:27 pm)

    No amount of students can change it. swallow the pill and move on. like hillary would have been a better alternative anyway. we were screwed from the start

  • WestCake November 9, 2016 (11:28 pm)

    Someone you don’t like gets voted in by fellow citizens and you choose to boycott your job? Which happens to be school in this case. You need an education kids, the president already has a job.

  • DH November 10, 2016 (12:31 am)

    Excellent job having a peaceful protest. Be prepared for many more. @Londongirl. A lot of Seattle parents are from those areas of the country that voted for Trump. We understand them as we were raised there and have family that voted for Trump. As a seventh generation Texan I will say IT IS about racism. 

  • ShopLocal November 10, 2016 (5:32 am)

    The comments on this subject are representative of this entire election, very divided.   I did not vote for Trump but he won fairly ( according to current rules ). Therefore he is OUR President elect. There is no doubt in my mind that if Hillary won, and the Trump supporters pulled a stunt like this, the comments would be identical. Hypocrisy has no party affiliation. As far as the students go, I have a son who is a freshman at WSHS. He did not participate in the walkout. When asked why he chose not to, he simply said that like it or not, Trump won and there are better ways to have your voice heard than walking out of school…. Additionally, my family owns a store in the Junction. As the students walked by, the store sign was kicked over and other damage was caused to some decorative items. Unfortunately,  uninformed, emotional rush to judgment is all to prevalent in today’s world.

    • Michelle November 10, 2016 (8:14 am)

      I admire your son, exactly the point…

  • mom of 3 November 10, 2016 (5:57 am)

    Only 15% of the students left school. Congratulations to the 85% that stayed in class. Surely, a majority of those kids also were unhappy with the election results, but, it was not the time to participate in a protest. How about AFTER school, on your own time? It’s like me walking out of my job because I am upset about the election results?! It would not be acceptable.

    • Michelle November 10, 2016 (8:01 am)

      it is as simple as that – absolutely agree

  • Lynn November 10, 2016 (7:04 am)

    Good for the kids!  I did the same thing back in the early 70’s, only we were protesting the war in Vietnam.  Who says that people under the age of 18 don’t have a right to express their feelings, thoughts and ideas?  Isn’t that the constitutional right of everyone living in this country?

  • SH November 10, 2016 (7:18 am)

    Well Done!! Solidarity with these students and the entirety of America after such a worrying result. I am from the UK and we are still reeling from Brexit, but love will trump hate. We need to take this chance to love and support people of every religion, race, sexuality, gender, class and any other identities the Right want to use to divide us. It is an exciting to see so many young students taking such bold action, makes me hopeful for all of our futures. Love and respect to you all.

  • Lynn November 10, 2016 (8:13 am)

    I don’t understand the comments that are comparing attendance at school to attendance at jobs.  If you hold a job and are being paid by an employer, I get it that you may jeopardize your job by doing so.  Students walking out to express their point of view, for an hour or two, seems to be an entirely different thing to me.  Would you expel them as a consequence?  As for any damage done to property, that is just plain vandalism and I hope those incidents were the exception rather than the rule–I saw first hand the damage done during the WTO riots, and totally not acceptable.

    • S November 10, 2016 (8:52 am)

      Funny you should bring up WTO, I lived through that and let me say. That protest has turned off just about all protesting to me.

  • Rick November 10, 2016 (8:29 am)

    If I don’t get my way, I’ll throw a tantrum and be all self righteous and sanctimonious about it. As long as I have company in doing so.  I have grand children who are more mature. And the youngest is 10 days old. Sad state of affairs.

    • Sick of the hate November 10, 2016 (9:58 am)

      Rick, staging a peaceful, respectful protest and then discussing it with the principal at the school is hardly throwing a tantrum. (have you watched your grandkids throw a tantrum?)

      I’d say an adult bashing kids on a public forum because they exercised their 1st amendment rights is far more of a tantrum.  But then again, posting negativity on the WS Blog is also YOUR 1st amendment right.  That’s why America is ALREADY great.

  • steve November 10, 2016 (8:38 am)

    I walked out of junior high when I was a kid to protest the Vietnam war. Maybe I didn’t know what I was doing, or enough details,  but I remembered what Ali said and it stuck.  Some years, electorally, look rather bleak, but I still continue to vote.  These kids will all remember what they did, and in a positive light, I think they’re the ones that will continue to be involved. Good for them.

  • JIm November 10, 2016 (8:55 am)

    Lynn – Students at a public school have a responsibility to respect the education opportunity the taxpayers provide for them.  

  • Norma November 10, 2016 (9:09 am)

    Bless every one of you.  You absolutely made my day.  Never forget that Hillary is winning the popular vote.  The President elect does not have a mandate.  We have work to do so put on your pants suits and get busy.

  • James November 10, 2016 (10:01 am)

    I am proud of these kids, and feel a sense of comfort and relief to believe that I may live in a place of sane and compassionate people.

  • Lynn November 10, 2016 (10:17 am)

    Jim, if only that was true.  Many teachers I know have chipped in their own dollars to pay for basic school supplies because there is inadequate funding.  But–that’s a topic for another day.  And I don’t have kids.

  • JIm November 10, 2016 (10:29 am)

    Situational ethics.  Parents and teachers encouraging bad behavior because they happen to agree with the motivation this time around is not a good teaching moment.   

    Being “unhappy” does not justify disrupting classes for others. 

      

  • Sunuva November 10, 2016 (10:54 am)

    So, according to a bunch of people above, it is okay to protest but just not this time? So, you’re saying that the right to peacefully assemble and protest only applies at certain times or over certain issues? I really don’t get it and I totally disagree with those sentiments. The right to protest isn’t conditional on your approval of the reason for protesting.

    If Clinton had won and Trump supporters (even school children) went out to peacefully protest that result, I would say that is was completely their right to do so.

  • rider November 10, 2016 (11:12 am)

    Although I support the right to protest..it seems as if the majority of people protesting are young, not yet fully understanding the true issues of this world. It seems to be the “Popular” thing to disagree with Trump, but they will realize their mistake as time goes on. We need a firm hand to rule this country, and that means not giving in to every person’s want or emotional need. Whether you like it or not, Mr. Trump is our president elect.  THINK, everyone before you put your foot in your mouth.

    • Bonnie November 10, 2016 (12:38 pm)

      Did you think?

  • daisyg November 10, 2016 (12:48 pm)

    SO proud of these kids!

    They got out there and visibly expressed how they feel, did it peacefully, and stood up for what they believe.

    They fully engaged in this election, and our country and were not complacent.

    So many people complain about ‘today’s kids’ being self-involved and not caring about anything beyond what happens on Snapchat.

    But while they may not talk much about what is going on, they are a lot more aware of the issues in our world than you think.

    My two teens have been discussing the campaign throughout. They watched the election results come in Tuesday night, while discussing it with their friends on Twitter.

    They ask me the hard questions that unfortunately I don’t have any good answers for.

    Kids are WORRIED for the future of this country.  

    As a WSHS parent, I am proud of the students (whether they marched or not yesterday),  the school administration, and the teachers for supporting our kids and having important conversations yesterday.

  • John November 10, 2016 (2:12 pm)

    What are they protesting?  Where their human rights violated?  

    • Julia November 11, 2016 (10:01 am)

      I would hazard to guess that THAT is exactly what they are afraid of.  More than half of the kids I saw marching are people of color, and have been listening to months of dangerous, angry rhetoric from the people who are now going to be leading the country. These kids didn’t get to vote; they have to live with the choice we adults made for them. I believe they deserve a forum for the fear and disbelief they are feeling.

  • Jeannie November 10, 2016 (10:52 pm)

    Very proud of these students! This is a serious matter – more so than, say, an hour of trig or geometry. It’s a real-world example of speaking up and speaking out.

     If a sane, intelligent, experienced Republican won the election, that’s one thing. But Trump is a whole different animal (no disrespect to animals intended). Instead, we’re getting a lunatic who is dumb (just listen to him, folks!), has no real experience, has no real ideas of helping the middle class that he duped, is downright cruel, racist, mean-spirited, woman-abusing, climate change-denying, science-refuting, ignorant, etc.  

  • WS parent November 11, 2016 (12:11 am)

    Awesome WSHS!  What a wonderful, teachable moment for us all! 

    This is your future, keep it up!  Keep staying respectful, peaceful, and working together to make the world a better place for everyone.  Your actions made a difference.

    Never stop asking questions.  Never stop learning.  Never stop fighting for what is right.  We know the mistakes of the past – sexism, racism, bigotry – and we all need to fight not to be led backwards.

    Today, you gave me hope.  Thank you.

     

  • Ella Pacheco November 11, 2016 (9:33 am)

    To all the nay-sayers on this string? I laugh at heartily. These kids are our future, yours too. And to reduce their rightful concern about their *own* future as a motion to be “popular” is just plain ludacris. It is obvious you have no teenagers in your charge at present therefore you have zero legs to stand on. This is the most clued up generation of our time. And Seattle is one of the most diverse, tolerant,  tech-savvy,  sanctuary cities in the entire USA. To underestimate these kids (and the folks guiding them) is a foolish thing indeed. Our  (openly gay) Seattle Mayor, School Superintendent, and WSHS Teaching Staff supported this opportunity without prejudice. As a parent of a child who participated I take offence to those whom would dismiss them. Open you minds to the greater picture. One hour of these young folks lives have made a difference and provided a cathartic release to a horror never before seen since 9/11. They now refer to the day as 11/9. Think about it. Power to the (young and all) People!

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