Round Rock ISD Community,
We know that some of our students have participated in or may organize walkouts in the near future. It is our understanding that these student-led walkouts are protesting actions taken by ICE and other law enforcement agencies. Know that none of these events is organized or sponsored by the district or your student’s campus.
Per policy FNA(LEGAL): “Students do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate. At school and school events, students have First Amendment rights, applied in light of the special characteristics of the school environment.”
Round Rock ISD teachers and staff recognize that students have a right to freedom of expression. As always, we encourage them to express their views lawfully. Allowing students to make their own choices should not be interpreted as the school or district taking a position on the issues involved.
State law prohibits certified educators from encouraging or facilitating student departures from a class or school activity to engage in any form of political activism. Faculty and staff cannot participate in or support any walkout event during the regular school day. Staff will only serve to maintain a safe environment for our students while they are on campus. District staff also cannot physically prevent students from leaving campus.
Student & Staff Conduct
Late on Tuesday, the Texas Education Agency released guidance for public school districts regarding student protests. The guidance includes:
“Teachers that facilitate walk outs will be subject to investigation and sanction including licensure revocation.
School systems that facilitate walkouts will be subject to investigation and sanction, including either the appointment of a monitor, conservator or board of managers.”
As a reminder, and as with all school days:
Students who are present in class will be marked “Present” for being in class.
Students who are absent from class will receive an “Unexcused Absence”.
Work that is missed will be required to be made up.
Disruptions to the learning environment will be handled according to the Round Rock ISD Student Handbook and Student Code of Conduct.
Violations of the RRISD Student Handbook and Student Code of Conduct will be handled appropriately in accordance with district policy.
Any of our students who engage in disruptive or unsafe behavior may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Round Rock ISD student code of conduct. All students and families have acknowledged our policies by signing the Round Rock ISD Student Handbook and Code of Conduct, and all staff have acknowledged their role and responsibilities based on district policy per the employee handbook and the State’s Teacher Code of Ethics.
We encourage families to discuss the issues with their children, including potential impacts on attendance and consequences of participation. Thank you for your collaboration as we empower our students through open dialogue during this time.