Austin ISD says repeated anti-ICE walkouts are causing “a real disruption” to school days

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Independent School District officials are asking students to return their focus to the classroom as repeated demonstrations against ICE begin to “cause a real disruption to [the] school day.”

In a video posted to the district’s Instagram Wednesday, AISD acknowledged students’ civic engagement while emphasizing the importance of education.

“We’ve seen some historical events happen across our country recently, and more so in our own community. We’ve seen many of you find your own voices,” district officials said in the video. “Seeing our students engage with the world makes us incredibly proud.”

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However, officials said the frequency of demonstrations is interfering with instruction.

“The number and frequency of these demonstrations is starting to cause a real disruption to our school day,” officials said.

The district emphasized that education, rather than passion alone, provides students with the tools to effect meaningful change.

“Passion may get your voice heard, but education is what gives your voice its power and influence,” the message said.

Officials encouraged students to develop their advocacy skills in the classroom while building knowledge for their futures.

“For now, the best place to get that work started is inside our classrooms where you can build skills and knowledge for your future,” the district said.

The message comes as AISD faces investigations from Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton over the district’s handling of recent student walkouts.

In a letter to the attorney general’s office, AISD General Counsel Kenneth M. Walker II defended the district’s response, saying the walkouts were not sanctioned and that schools cannot physically restrain students from leaving campus.

Walker said the district informed students and parents that absences would not be excused but noted Texas law does not permit schools to use force to compel attendance.

The Texas Education Agency confirmed it is investigating AISD, citing state law requiring educators to support learning in ways that are “objective and free from political bias.”