As Bensalem High School prepares for a planned student walk-out on Tuesday, February 17, a divide has emerged among student protesters over how to make their voices heard, while local officials are raising security concerns in light of threats at other Bucks County schools.
Two Groups, One Cause
According to a student familiar with the walkout plans, the protest was sparked by recent sightings of ICE vehicles in Bucks County. Plans spread through the school via word of mouth and social media, and a group of students met with Principal Geoffrey Per to discuss their intentions.
What followed has split the student body into two camps.
One group — referred to by students as “walkers” — plans to leave the building in defiance of the administration’s decision. The student said these students doubt the effectiveness of a protest confined to school property and intend to gather outside the school beginning around 10:50 a.m.
A second group — described as “compliant protesters” — has agreed to participate in the administration’s supervised alternative: a forum in the school gymnasium during the last period of the day. The student said some in this group have expressed dissatisfaction with the arrangement, saying their decision was driven more by fear of consequences than by choice.
Both groups have said they intend to protest peacefully. Their shared cause, the student said, is opposition to any ICE activity in Bensalem. Students have cited concerns about what they describe as racial profiling and the impact of immigration enforcement on their community.
The student outlined several demands, including that ICE cease any operations in Bensalem, that the school district adopt the ACLU of Pennsylvania’s “Guiding Principles and Best Practices for Welcoming Schools Policies,” and that no cooperation agreements exist between local and county authorities and ICE.
Security Concerns
The demonstration is drawing attention beyond the school.
Bensalem Township Councilman Joey Wenzel Jr. posted on Facebook that the Council has requested Bensalem Police be on high alert Tuesday, citing recent threats against students at Pennsbury and Neshaminy high schools, as well as what he described as a credible FBI threat against Pennsbury.
Wenzel’s post also referenced the First Amendment and the due process protections of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments.
The Administration’s Position
On Friday, Principal Geoffery Per sent a letter to families stating that students would not be permitted to walk out during the school day. The school is offering a supervised forum in the gymnasium as an alternative during one designated period. Per said any student who leaves campus without authorization will face consequences under the school’s attendance and discipline policies, applied consistently regardless of viewpoint.
Per cited student safety, maintaining instructional time, and ensuring an orderly school environment are the basis for the decision.
This is a developing story. Bensalem Weekly will provide updates as they become available.
