Students at Englewood High School walked out of their classes and gathered outside the building as part of the nationwide “Free America Walkout.” Similar demonstrations were held at schools and workplaces across the country.
Nearly 200 students participated in the walkout, including senior Jack Brennan, who said the protest was motivated by national politics. “We’ve seen this before. You know, he tricked people into voting for him, and, you know, maybe I can understand that, but I don’t understand anyone that still supports him. I don’t agree with it. I don’t think anyone should.”
Brennan said the walkout focused on unity among students. “I don’t think my voice particularly matters more than anybody else’s, but it’s the fact that we have, like, 150 voices out here all screaming the same all together. And that’s what really matters, unity. You know, unity is the only way we solve this issue.”
The walkout took place on January 20, marking one year since President Donald Trump returned to the White House for his second term. Organizers of the “Free America Walkout” encouraged people nationwide to leave school or work at 2 p.m. local time to call for political and social change.
Senior Umberto Pinedo-Banuelos said immigration issues played a major role in his decision to walk out. “The reason I walked out is that we have a lot of situations here, not only in the state of Colorado, but all over the world. And the reason why I wanted to join this protest is that I believe this has affected me. I don’t like his policies. I find them to be very racist, especially to the Hispanic community and stuff like that, and then also for any other people who are just trying to fight for what’s right, which is freedom for all.”
Pinedo-Banuelos also said unity is necessary for change. “My voice matters. It’s because, though I might be just one person, if we all unite together, it will make a change to our country, and that is what we all stand for.”
According to the group’s website, freeameri.ca, the walkout is meant to send a message. “This will be a protest, and a promise. We walk out because a Free America is the only America worth calling great.” The site lists demands including ending “purges and power grabs” and creating an economy that supports workers and families. The website is powered by Women’s March, the organization behind the Women’s March on Washington during Trump’s first term.
Brennan said he hopes the movement continues to grow. “Maybe in a month or so, we’ll get the whole city. Nobody go to work, nobody go to school, just line the streets until something changes.”
“So we should all be treated as humans, because that’s what we are,” Pinedo-Banuelos said.
While many students chose to participate in the walkout, others remained in class for various reasons. Sophomore Arianna Marcek said attendance influenced her decision not to participate. “Because I care about my attendance.” She said she was still aware of the issues being protested. “I just didn’t want to get in trouble, but I support what they’re doing.” Some parents told students they would not excuse absences related to the walkout.
Senior Jack McGirl said he did not agree with students leaving class to protest. While he believes people have the right to disagree, he questioned this method. “I think protesting only leads to violence, although they are trying to bring peace. I just don’t think it’s the right thing to do. Especially when it comes to stopping public school and (being on public) grounds, stopping class for things like that seems idiotic to me.”
McGirl said he does not align fully with either political side. “I believe there are some aspects of his campaign that I agree with. I think the only person you should put your trust in is Jesus Christ. It’s not just that Trump has good points going for him; the Democratic party does too, but in all, I think they are all mostly negative.”
