Oklahoma governor celebrates suspension of 122 students for Mustang walkout

OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt applauded an Oklahoma City-area school district for suspending 122 students who staged a walkout against federal immigration enforcement tactics earlier this month.

“Young Oklahomans: Free speech is sacred, but truancy robs your future. Stay in school, build skills, and make your voice heard responsibly,” Stitt, a Republican, posted on social media.

Mustang Public Schools confirmed Wednesday it assigned in-school suspension to students for committing unexcused absences during the walkout, not for the content of their speech. High school students across the state, including in Mustang, have walked out of class this month to hold protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s controversial mass deportation effort.

The walkouts have drawn criticism from some Republican legislators, who complained not only of student truancy but that the demonstrations were “politically charged.” They called for teaching licenses to be revoked from any educators involved in organizing the protests.

Oklahoma governor celebrates suspension of 122 students for Mustang walkout • Oklahoma Voice