Sanger Unified students plan on‑campus forum instead of walkout to share concerns about ICE

SANGER, Calif. (KFSN) -- Students in Sanger Unified School District are preparing to hold an oncampus forum Friday to voice their concerns about immigration enforcement, choosing an alternative to the walkouts seen recently at other Central Valley schools.

In recent weeks, students across Fresno and Clovis Unified districts have left classrooms to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Sanger Unified students initially planned to join them, but district leaders urged a different approach, leading to discussions that resulted in Friday's organized, campusbased gathering.

"Even though we wanted to convey our message, we now feel as if this is a safer alternative and appreciate admin for working alongside us instead of against us," student Pahul Kur said.

Instead of leaving school grounds, students will meet during an extended morning break to share their perspectives. Some have prepared personal statements to read from a podium, including sophomore Rheyanne Martinez.

"I just fear my family and my grandparents because of their skin color and because of their heavy accents. It does make me scared," Martinez said.

The forums will be led by the Associated Student Body presidents from both campuses.

"Nobody should shy away from speaking how they truly feel and right now in this moment, I feel more compelled than ever to say something and to speak out," ASB President Luke Pena said.

ASB President Sophia Valverde added that she hopes their approach encourages others.

"I thought this was cool and hopefully inspiring to other schools around the country or the world to see they could do something different!" Valverde said.

Superintendent Dennis Wiechmann said he is proud of students for considering multiple avenues of civic participation.

"And kind of going through and saying no, we are willing to do this and try this approach. That makes me super proud and excited to be an educator," he said.

Students say they are eager to express their views in a safe and peaceful way.

For now, school officials describe the event as a onetime effort, though that could change in the future.

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