Students won’t be suspended for walking out of classes to attend rallies protesting proposed immigration legislation currently in Congress, Highline School Board members were told April 5.

Some Highline students left classes on March 27 to attend a rally at Angle Lake Park in SeaTac. Walkouts occurred again April 3 and 7, and another rally was scheduled for April 10.

The students were upset over proposed legislation that, if enacted, would impact millions of illegal immigrants in the United States.

Four speakers at last week’s board meeting implored district officials not to suspend the students.

A woman, who brought her young daughter to the podium, said the protesting students “have the courage we all need.”

Board member Julie Burr Spani asked Superintendent John Welch about the district’s policy.

Welch replied that if students receive written parental or guardian permission to attend the rallies it would be considered an excused absence.

Without written permission, it is considered an unexcused absence, but would not lead to suspension, he said.

Secondary schools director Alan Spicciati added, “There’s no inkling of suspensions. Unless there is a large disruption, we wouldn’t suspend students.”

However, Spicciati and board member Tom Slattery urged students to hold their protests outside of school hours.

Slattery characterized the immigration debate as “an extremely important issue, on a par with the civil rights movement.”

Board member Susan Goding said she is “proud of the students for speaking out.”

Spani added that teachers should suggest to students other ways of voicing their opinions such as phone calls and letters.

Tough immigration legislation could greatly affect the Highline district where students represent 81 nationalities and speak 70 different languages.

Twelve percent of students are enrolled in English Language Learners classes.

Twenty percent are Hispanic and 21 percent are Asian or Pacific Islander