303 Virginia Students Suspended After Leaving Campus for Anti-ICE Protest on Feb 13

303 students in Prince William County, Virginia, were suspended for walking out of school to protest ICE. This is a large number of students facing punishment for a demonstration.
By Newsroom | Education, Immigration |

Hundreds of students in Prince William County, Virginia, have faced suspension following a large-scale walkout protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The event, which saw students leave Woodbridge High School, has sparked further planned protests across the county and raised questions about student rights and school policies regarding demonstrations.

Background and Timeline

On February 13, 2026, a significant number of students at Woodbridge High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, participated in a walkout. This action was a protest against the policies and presence of ICE.

  • The school confirmed 303 students were suspended as of February 15, 2026.

  • Students left the school building and, in doing so, went off campus to express their views.

  • The Prince William County Police Department was present to manage traffic and provide supervision during the event.

  • According to Principal Heather Abney, students were informed that while walkouts are a form of expression, leaving school grounds without permission is not permitted.

  • The school division spokesperson, Diana Gulotta, stated that students who remained on school property and did not leave campus, such as those at Forest Park High and Gainesville Middle, did not receive suspensions.

  • Organizers indicated plans for similar, countywide protests at other high schools, including Battlefield High School, Colgan High School, C.D. Hylton High School, Osbourn Park High School, Woodbridge Senior High School, Patriot High School, Gar-field High School, and Independence Nontraditional School. Unity Reed High School students also organized a protest.

Student Action and School Response

The core of the incident lies in the students' decision to leave the Woodbridge High School campus as a form of protest.

  • Student Action: Hundreds of students walked out of their classes to voice opposition to ICE.

  • School Policy: Prince William County Public Schools' policy appears to link disciplinary action, specifically three-day suspensions, to students leaving school property without authorization during school hours. This is presented as a safety and attendance matter.

  • Distinction in Treatment: The differing outcomes for students at Woodbridge High School (suspended) versus those at Forest Park High and Gainesville Middle (not suspended) highlight a key difference: whether students remained on school grounds or left campus.

Wider Context of Student Protests

The events in Virginia are not isolated. Similar student-led demonstrations against ICE and immigration policies have occurred in other parts of the country.

  • Florida Protests: In Florida, over a thousand students have participated in walkouts to protest Trump administration immigration policies.

  • Academic Records of Schools with Walkouts: A report from Fox News examined schools where students have left class to protest ICE, noting that some of these schools have academic performance below state averages. Schools mentioned in this context include Roosevelt High School (Chicago), Tolleson Union High School, North Central High School (Indianapolis), and Fresno High School. Administrators from these schools did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Student Rights and School Authority

The situation brings to the forefront the ongoing discussion about student rights to protest within an educational setting.

Read More: Dundee Middle School Student Left Alone After ICE Protest Walkout

  • Expression vs. Discipline: Schools are generally responsible for student safety during the school day. Leaving school premises without permission is typically a violation of school rules.

  • Legal Framework: Student walkouts and protests can fall under the purview of First Amendment rights, but these rights are not absolute within the school environment and can be subject to limitations based on the disruption caused and the school's educational mission.

  • Organizing Efforts: There are indications that adult-run non-profits have been involved in promoting or organizing some student-led walkouts, a factor that has drawn criticism from some activists.

Expert Analysis

While specific expert commentary on the Prince William County incident was not directly available in the provided data, the broader context of student activism and school discipline offers insights. Legal experts and education administrators frequently navigate the balance between students' rights to free expression and the school's responsibility to maintain order and provide a safe learning environment.

  • The legal precedent generally allows schools to discipline students for speech or actions that substantially disrupt the educational environment or infringe on the rights of others.

  • The distinction between protesting on campus and leaving campus is a significant factor in how schools assess and respond to such actions, often tying it to truancy and safety regulations.

Conclusion and Implications

The mass suspension of 303 students from Woodbridge High School after an anti-ICE walkout signifies a firm stance by Prince William County Public Schools on unauthorized departures from campus. The organizers' plans for wider protests suggest that the tensions surrounding immigration policies and student expression will likely continue.

  • Key Findings:

  • Over 300 students were suspended for leaving campus during an anti-ICE protest.

  • School officials emphasized that leaving school grounds without permission is not allowed.

  • Students who remained on campus during similar actions did not face suspension.

  • Further student protests are being organized across Prince William County.

  • Implications:

  • The incident highlights a potential disconnect between student activism and school administrative policies regarding protest.

  • It raises awareness of student rights and responsibilities during demonstrations.

  • The planned countywide protests suggest that the issue is far from resolved and may escalate.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were 303 students in Prince William County, Virginia, suspended on February 13, 2026?
These students were suspended because they left Woodbridge High School campus without permission during an anti-ICE protest. School officials stated that leaving school grounds is against policy and leads to suspension.
Q: What was the reason for the student walkout at Woodbridge High School on February 13, 2026?
Students organized a walkout to protest against the policies and presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They wanted to voice their opposition to ICE.
Q: Did students who protested on school grounds also get suspended?
No, students at other schools in the county, like Forest Park High and Gainesville Middle, who protested but stayed on school property did not receive suspensions. The suspensions were for students who left campus.
Q: What did the school principal say about the walkout?
Principal Heather Abney told students that while walking out is a way to express views, leaving school grounds without permission is not allowed. This action led to the disciplinary measures.
Q: Are more student protests planned in Prince William County after February 13, 2026?
Yes, organizers have said they plan to hold similar protests at other high schools across the county. This suggests the issue is ongoing and may lead to more student actions.