On Tuesday March 28, over 100 Latino/Chicano students walked out
of San Benito High School in protest of HR4437, a bill that would
turn thousands of undocumented migrants into federal criminals.
Editor,
On Tuesday March 28, over 100 Latino/Chicano students walked out of San Benito High School in protest of HR4437, a bill that would turn thousands of undocumented migrants into federal criminals. The bill would also criminalize the work of churches, nonprofits and other organizations aiding these individuals.
It was about 11:30 when I saw them coming down San Benito Street from my office window. I took an early lunch and joined them. It was truly inspiring to see so many young people take to the streets and have their voices heard. Having been a high school student only a few years ago, I understand how scary it can be to walk out of school and stand up for what you believe in, especially with intimidation coming from the school administration and the Sheriff’s Department.
The students marched peaceably to chants of “Justicia!” and “Si se puede!” and many passers-by honked their horns in support. From what the students told me, few of them knew of the walk-out before that day, which makes their number and the way they marched orderly and unitedly even more remarkable.
Over the weekend, between 500,000 and 2 million people marched against HR4437 in L.A. and 30,000 marched in San Jose alone. One hundred thousand marched almost two weeks ago in Chicago. The opposition to this bill coming from the American people is truly enormous.
Even though I attended much bigger rallies over the weekend, I can honestly say that the spirit and energy these Hollister students showed today was the most powerful I’ve experienced. They should be commended.
Mark Anthony Medeiros, Hollister
