Austin, Texas, February 7, 2026
In response to recent student walkouts protesting immigration policies, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) has established updated protocols for student protests. Effective from February 9, 2026, these protocols include guidelines for monitoring on-campus walkouts and safety measures for off-campus activities. AISD aims to balance students’ rights to free expression with the need to maintain a safe educational environment. The Texas Education Agency has also issued cautionary guidance regarding potential state interventions for schools facilitating student protests.
Austin, Texas – Austin ISD Implements New Protest Protocols Amid Student Walkouts
Austin Independent School District (AISD) has announced updated protocols for student protests, effective Monday, February 9, 2026, in response to recent student walkouts across Central Texas.
New Protest Protocols
- On-Campus Walkouts: Protests occurring within 300 feet of school buildings will be monitored by administrators and AISD Police.
- Off-Campus Walkouts: If protests extend beyond 300 feet, administrators and staff will remain on campus, while law enforcement will follow students to ensure safety.
- Local Law Enforcement: Once off-campus, local law enforcement will oversee student activities.
Staff Expectations
- Non-Participation: Staff are prohibited from participating in, planning, or endorsing student-led protests, except for safety and monitoring purposes.
- Classroom Management: Teachers must remain with students who choose not to participate in walkouts.
- Material Distribution: Staff may only distribute materials in classrooms if approved by the principal as part of a curricular activity.
- Political Activities: Staff are encouraged to engage in political activities on their own time or by taking leave, ensuring such activities do not interfere with their professional responsibilities.
Background Context
In recent weeks, AISD has observed an increase in student-led protests against immigration policies and enforcement. These demonstrations have led to walkouts at multiple campuses, prompting the district to establish clearer guidelines to balance students’ rights to free expression with the need to maintain a safe and focused educational environment.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has also issued guidance warning that districts facilitating or encouraging student walkouts could face state intervention, including the appointment of a monitor or conservator. Educators involved in facilitating such protests may be subject to investigation and potential sanctions, including the revocation of teaching licenses. Additionally, students participating in walkouts will be marked absent, and districts risk losing daily attendance funding if they allow or encourage these activities.
These developments have sparked discussions about the balance between student free speech and the responsibilities of educational institutions to ensure uninterrupted learning and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the new protest protocols implemented by AISD?
AISD has established protocols for student protests effective February 9, 2026. On-campus protests within 300 feet of school buildings will be monitored by administrators and AISD Police. If protests extend beyond 300 feet, administrators and staff will remain on campus, while law enforcement will follow students to ensure safety. Once off-campus, local law enforcement will oversee student activities.
What are the expectations for AISD staff during student protests?
Staff are prohibited from participating in, planning, or endorsing student-led protests, except for safety and monitoring purposes. Teachers must remain with students who choose not to participate in walkouts. Staff may only distribute materials in classrooms if approved by the principal as part of a curricular activity. Staff are encouraged to engage in political activities on their own time or by taking leave, ensuring such activities do not interfere with their professional responsibilities.
What is the background behind these new protocols?
In recent weeks, AISD has observed an increase in student-led protests against immigration policies and enforcement. These demonstrations have led to walkouts at multiple campuses, prompting the district to establish clearer guidelines to balance students’ rights to free expression with the need to maintain a safe and focused educational environment.
What guidance has the Texas Education Agency (TEA) provided regarding student walkouts?
The TEA has issued guidance warning that districts facilitating or encouraging student walkouts could face state intervention, including the appointment of a monitor or conservator. Educators involved in facilitating such protests may be subject to investigation and potential sanctions, including the revocation of teaching licenses. Additionally, students participating in walkouts will be marked absent, and districts risk losing daily attendance funding if they allow or encourage these activities.
What are the broader implications of these developments?
These developments have sparked discussions about the balance between student free speech and the responsibilities of educational institutions to ensure uninterrupted learning and safety. The situation highlights the challenges schools face in managing student activism while adhering to state regulations and maintaining a conducive learning environment.
Key Features of the New Protest Protocols
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Walkouts | Protests within 300 feet of school buildings will be monitored by administrators and AISD Police. |
| Off-Campus Walkouts | If protests extend beyond 300 feet, administrators and staff will remain on campus, while law enforcement will follow students to ensure safety. |
| Local Law Enforcement | Once off-campus, local law enforcement will oversee student activities. |
| Staff Non-Participation | Staff are prohibited from participating in, planning, or endorsing student-led protests, except for safety and monitoring purposes. |
| Classroom Management | Teachers must remain with students who choose not to participate in walkouts. |
| Material Distribution | Staff may only distribute materials in classrooms if approved by the principal as part of a curricular activity. |
| Political Activities | Staff are encouraged to engage in political activities on their own time or by taking leave, ensuring such activities do not interfere with their professional responsibilities. |
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