Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
WALTHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Teachers in Waltham walked out before class Friday to protest what they call "aggressive tactics" by immigration agents.
The walkout was organized by several schools in the area after hearing concerns from students about their safety. Teachers at Kennedy Middle School, Fitzgerald Elementary, and Waltham High stood out in chilling temperatures to protest.
"Some children of color who are American citizens are even afraid to come to school or step out in public by themselves because they're afraid of these apprehensions that are more like abductions," Ellen Darcy said.
Darcy is one of more than two dozen teachers and supporters who walked out before class to show their students that they have their full support.
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"I want them to know we're happy to see them and we're happy to teach them and they're welcome here. Every one of us here at Waltham High School teaches immigrant students. And we're incredibly proud of that."
State Representative Tom Stanley said the apprehensions have led to an uptick in absences and a decline in enrollment.
"There's perhaps up to a couple hundred students that are not regularly going to school right now and no one knows if they've moved back to their country of origin or they're just staying home," Stanley said.
The walk out was organized by the teacher's union Waltham Educators Association advocacy task force.
Correction: An earlier version said the teachers walked out during class. The teachers actually walked out before class. This copy has been updated to reflect that.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.