Bensalem High School Principal Geoffrey Per sent a letter to families on Friday afternoon about a planned student walkout on Tuesday, February 17.
The walkout, connected to nationwide student protests over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations around the country, is a topic that has been widely discussed by parents and students alike on social media in recent days. Similar student-led walkouts have already taken place at other Bucks County high schools.
Per wrote that several students approached the administration with their protest plan to leave the building during the school day. On Friday, he met with approximately 200 students during third period to discuss the situation.
Mr. Per told students they wouldn’t be permitted to walk out during the school day. Instead, the school will provide them with a supervised forum in the gymnasium during one designated period on Tuesday. Participation is optional, and all other classes will run on a normal schedule. Students who choose to attend the forum will be responsible for making up any missed classwork.
The letter stated that any student who leaves school grounds without authorization will face consequences under the school’s attendance and discipline policies. The school emphasized that those policies will be applied consistently.
Per cited student safety, maintaining instructional time, and ensuring an orderly school environment are the primary reasons for the school’s decision.
Families were encouraged to speak with their students about expectations and to contact the school with any questions.
