Here’s a statement from Idaho Education Association President Sherri Wood on today’s student walkouts:
The IEA first learned of the walkouts when local media outlets began reporting them earlier today. While we’re sure that many Idaho educators appreciate the show of support from their students, the IEA had absolutely no involvement in organizing the protests. As we’ve seen for seven weeks now, Idahoans have repeatedly voiced opposition to the Luna plan. The students’ actions today show that they’ve read the Constitution and absorbed their lessons about a government of, by, and for the people.
Given the Senate’s votes last week to pass two of the three Luna bills, students – and many adults – feel they haven’t been heard. It’s no surprise that they’re now acting on their First Amendment rights to speak out and peacefully assemble in an effort to stop the legislation that would hurt them, their siblings, and their teachers.