A student walkout planned for tomorrow has made at least one local parent concerned about what might happen if his children don’t participate.
A father of two daughters, who wanted to stay anonymous, shared his worries with the media, school officials, and local politicians after seeing the announcement for the Student Walkout for Palestine on social media.
The event is set for Wednesday, February 26, at 1:20 p.m. Schools involved include St. Francis Xavier, Craig Kielburger, Elsie McGill, and St. Kateri Tekakwitha. Students are expected to walk along Louis St. Laurent Avenue to the intersection at Regional Road 25. The announcement encouraged students to bring flags, posters, and keffiyehs.
The concerned father said he respects students' right to express their views but believes participation should be a personal choice. In an email sent Sunday night, he asked for confirmation that his children would not face any academic or social consequences for not joining.
Following his email and further questions from Milton Today, the principals of St. Francis Xavier and St. Kateri Tekakwitha sent a message to parents on Monday. They clarified that the walkout is not organized or approved by the schools or the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB).
“Our priority is the safety and well-being of our students, and we expect them to remain in class during instructional time,” the letter stated. It also acknowledged that the war in the Middle East has deeply affected many families and included youth support resources. The letter added that students must have parental permission to leave school; otherwise, they will be marked absent.
HCDSB Chair Marvin Duarte emphasized that schools are for education, not political debates.
The Student Walkout for Palestine was found on Instagram, including on the Milton Palestine Action Committee page, which describes itself as a group advocating for a free Palestine.
A similar message was sent to parents of students in the Halton District School Board (HDSB). HDSB Communications Manager Heather Francey confirmed that the board does not organize or approve walkouts and does not allow them on school property. She also shared a message sent to parents, which acknowledged the emotional impact of the war and encouraged students to talk to trusted school staff if they needed support.
The school boards’ response helped clarify the situation for parents and seemed to ease the father’s concerns. He expressed worries about children being influenced by outside forces and said he wanted to protect his children from exposure to hate and violence.
“We want our kids to think for themselves, and if they strongly believe in something, we will support them,” he said. “I just don’t want them to be used as pawns.”
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