Overview
- Walkouts drew students from Amundsen, Mather, Northside College Prep, Roosevelt, and Von Steuben, who left class around noon and converged on River Park.
- Organizers cited the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and the detention of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, who were ordered released by a federal judge, as catalysts.
- Ald. Andre Vasquez assisted as an adult marshal, coordinating with police and crossing guards and providing a loudspeaker, and he publicly praised the students.
- Chicago Public Schools said its policy permits limited, planned civic actions during the school day and emphasized respectful, evidence-based discussion.
- Student leaders Amari Bell and Angelique Guzman described organizing the walkout through social media and said the action felt empowering against long-standing injustices.