A group of OCHS students participated in a nationwide protest against the nation’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It took place on January 20th, when students made signs and marched on the sidewalks around the campus of OCHS.

It was a nationally organized event where several high schools broke out in protest against ICE and the Trump administration. The students started protesting right after lunch, meaning that they had to miss 4th period, roughly a fourth of the day.

Student demonstrations are allowed during the school day, according to district policy, so long as it doesn’t disrupt the learning environment.

During the protest, some teachers who had prep during 4th period went out to supervise the students to ensure they were being safe on the streets. The security guards kept track of the students entering and exiting the building during the protest.

Many students who protested on the streets wished to show their support for the people being affected by ICE. Like Wren Christison, a senior at OCHS.

“I am mainly here to show support to people who are affected by ICE”, said Christison.

A lot of students who protested also wanted to show their opinions against ICE. Tad Iltis, a sophomore at OCHS, was another student who protested against ICE.

“I just want our opinions to be heard; we want things to change,” said Iltis.

The staff’s goal was to keep everyone safe and follow the school handbook. After school, when traffic increased in the parking lot and on Beavercreek Road. There was a brief escalation between protesters and the public. However, the staff were able to break it up quickly, and in the end, students were able to express their opinions safely.