Approximately 100 Portsmouth High School students walked out of the high school on Feb. 3 towards Market Square in downtown Portsmouth to protest the most recent actions by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, otherwise known as ICE.
The walkout was strictly student-led, organized by senior students Amelia Murphy, Luci DiMeco and Lyla Caldwell. The goal of the walkout was to raise awareness about ICE’s enforcement activity across the country.
School administration was aware of this event, and while PHS attendance policies remained in effect for missing class, police officers monitored the event to ensure safety while students were off campus.
An email from PHS principal, Stephen Chinosi, read: “In the case of a walkout, we want to be clear that attendance will be taken in every block as usual. Student safety is our top priority, and the school will maintain regular supervision while students are in the building and on campus–Once students leave campus during the school day, the school does not have the authority or staffing capacity to provide supervision or support. Students who remain on campus will continue to receive full supervision and support.”
Nevertheless, students gathered outside the school at approximately 12:45 holding handmade signs, and organizers took turns speaking to students reminding them that the demonstration was meant to be peaceful and respectful. The atmosphere was calm and understanding, with applause breaking out shortly after the speech by DiMeco.
“During the walkout when we were all walking to Market Square, a lot of the people of Portsmouth were very supportive of the whole protest, and I think that was a very great thing,” says Evan Erickson, a PHS senior who joined the protest.
Community members in downtown Portsmouth reacted in a variety of ways. Many drivers honked in support as students marched through Market Square, while others stopped to ask students questions about the purpose of the protest. Cars slowed down as students crossed intersections, shop owners and pedestrians paused to watch, some raised phones to record, while others offered words of encouragement.
The PHS walkout was not an isolated event. Some schools in the area, including Dover High School and Oyster River High School, demonstrated similar protests in response to recent immigration enforcement actions.
Despite the snow covering the ground, and the cold, New England winter temperature, the energy remained warm and determined. For many participants, including PHS sophomore Thea Hartley, the physical act of standing together, and choosing to leave their classroom to protest and make their voices heard carried a powerful message about shared purpose.
“To see everyone walking together, even in the cold weather, gave me hope that our generation could make a change,” said Hartley.
