Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Samantha Hayes reporting"I'm standing up for my rights. For my beliefs."
Utah students protesting immigration legislation are walking out of class to exercise free speech.
Jason Olsen, Salt Lake City School District: "But state law says they need to be in school."
As lawmakers debate Immigration policy on Capitol Hill, protesters are demonstrating all over the country this week.
Student protests have brought truancy citations and pleas to go back to class. Schools would like to see this issue discussed in the classroom. Principals told me that is happening in some social studies and government classes.
But many students feel by protesting they are part of a larger movement. and are marking their place in history
At the time East High Students are usually eating lunch, a group protests immigration legislation across the street.
Jason Olsen, Salt Lake City School District: "Its a good and growing experience for the students to be involved in something like this."
But that's only if students are protesting before or after school.
Jacky Flores, West High Student: "It was before and during school."
Jacky Flores joined a protest of West High School students this week. Some of them skipped class.
Lexi Fierro, West High Student: "I just got unexcused absences- but my mom came to the protests."
Many students see immigration as their generation's issue... and they have passionate feelings about it.
Lexi Fierro: "I'm not an illegal immigrant but I know people who are and they are not criminals..they are here working."
Jason Olsen: "Its a good thing but wrong timing. Students need to be in school and in class. Its good they want to be involved in the process but they need to do it after school or sometime when school is not in session."
Isaiah Christy, West High Student: "I don't skip class. I'm a good boy."
It has been a challenge for schools and law enforcement across the country this week. In San Diego-a protest got out of hand and officers arrested 21 students. Wednesday students were taken into custody in Fresno during a protest.
Salt Lake City administrators say they are also concerned about student safety during demonstrations.
Jason Olsen: "Anything we can do to encourage them to be in class. We'll try and do that."
Schools are encouraging students to attend an informational rally Sunday, April 9th at the City/county building.
