Texas Educators Urge Clear Guidance for Schools After Student Walkouts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 4, 2026

CONTACT:

Marco Guajardo, [email protected]

[email protected]

Divisive rhetoric from state leaders does not keep kids safe

Austin, Texas - Earlier this week, students in several Texas communities left class to participate in demonstrations related to national immigration policy and enforcement activity. In response, state leaders announced investigations into how some school districts handled the situation. Students are aware of what's happening in the world and the impact it has on their families and on their peers. Federal agents unrighteously detained a Minneapolis five-year-old, Liam Conejo Ramos, on his way home from school, and sent him to detention in Texas. This act was witnessed by thousands of students in Texas who see themselves and their siblings in Liam. We understand their fear and their anger at this time.

Texas AFT believes moments like this highlight the importance of keeping educators focused on their primary purpose: teaching and learning in a safe, supportive environment. Schools and educators should not be placed in the middle of political disputes or face uncertainty about their responsibilities when students independently organize demonstrations. Nor should they be put at odds with their students as maintaining a trusting, secure and appropriate relationship between educators and their students is essential to the learning process.

"Texas students care deeply about what's happening in their communities and across the country. Conversations about civic engagement and decisions to participate in protests are best guided by families at home and we need to recognize that our students are capable of thinking for themselves," said Zeph Capo, President of Texas AFT. "Educators simply want to provide a safe school environment and remain focused on helping students succeed academically."

These situations also underscore the need for clear, consistent guidance from school and district leaders about what educators should, and should not, be expected to do when student demonstrations occur. Teachers should never have to guess whether they are at risk of disciplinary action for simply doing their jobs or attempting their best to keep students safe.

"We believe there is common ground in ensuring that teachers can focus on instruction without fear of punishment for circumstances outside their control. Clear expectations and collaboration between state leaders, school districts, and educators will help ensure schools remain safe, respectful, and focused on learning," said Capo.

The Texas American Federation of Teachers represents 66,000 teachers, paraprofessionals, support personnel, and higher-education employees across the state. Texas AFT is affiliated with the 1.8-million-member American Federation of Teachers and the AFL-CIO.