Students protest ICE during Friday’s homecoming game
by Areli Hernandez
While student walk-outs protesting ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) have occurred at several local high schools and across Indiana recently, a small group of JHS students stood together to make their voices be heard at last Friday’s homecoming game to bring awareness to current events.
Students make their way down to the main gym while lifting their signs up high on Feb 13. Junior Tristan Cooley hopes his message brings awareness to many. “I want the audience to see that even people in cities like Jeffersonville — even high school students in the cities of Jeffersonville where there isn’t a large ICE presence — see this as an issue where the government needs to do something about it.” Photo by Areli Hernandez.Freshman Khloe Garcia holds a Mexican flag and sign on Feb 13. The planned protest went through several changes by student organizers before last Friday. Regardless of changes to the protest, Garcia said she intends to inspire others with their action. “To me as long as we are speaking up about what’s going on in the world right now — I think that’s all that matters. We are not here to change the thoughts of anyone, but to encourage others to speak up.” Photo by Areli Hernandez.Students stand while raising their signs on Feb 13. Despite the mixed emotions, senior Makensie Moriarity remains determined. “I feel very upset, sad, angry, and I wish it didn’t come to this, but we are here and we’re going to make our difference.” Photo by Areli Hernandez. Chanting continues throughout the homecoming game on Feb 13. Sophomore Makenzi Middleton said she recognizes the impact of the youth while addressing common assumptions. “A lot of people think that kids don’t understand what’s going on with politics, but we are not too young to be affected by them. The world needs to be more peaceful, loving, and supportive because we all bleed the same color— we are all humans, have families, and emotions.” Photo by Areli Hernandez. The student-led protest continues following halftime at the Feb 13 homecoming game. Senior Lily Whitson’s said her motivation stems from her closest loved ones. “I know a lot of my family doesn’t have the voice to speak out, so I’m doing my best to be the voice for them.” Photo by Areli Hernandez. The student-led protest continues following halftime on Feb 13. Cooley expressed his personal perspective, “I don’t agree with what’s going on in our country right now, and I want to speak out about it —history shows we can’t stay silent.” Photo by Areli Hernandez.
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