Overview
- New protests unfolded Friday from Chicago and Aurora to New York City and Jersey City, with hundreds to thousands of students marching, rallying and leaving class.
- Texas officials intensified oversight, with the TEA warning of funding and licensure consequences and Gov. Greg Abbott urging investigations of districts accused of facilitating walkouts.
- Austin ISD rejected allegations that staff sanctioned protests and clarified protocols that limit staff monitoring to within 300 feet of campuses while emphasizing student safety.
- Districts are issuing unexcused absences and, in some cases, suspensions or loss of privileges, with North Texas officials detailing potential penalties up to out‑of‑school suspension and barring prom or graduation participation.
- Safety concerns persisted as Aurora police reported arrests and officer injuries earlier in the week, Munster authorities arrested a student over a shooting threat, and some agencies shifted to a reduced police presence to avoid escalation.