Education as a Political Arena Amid Teen Protests

Political motivations are increasingly shaping education in American schools, particularly as student protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies escalate.

Notably, left-leaning groups, often backed by considerable financial support, appear to be leading these efforts.

Recently, student-led strikes began in Minnesota, protesting the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), before spreading to states like Texas, California, and Nevada.

The Sunrise Movement, a climate activism group established in 2017, is at the forefront of these initiatives.

This group gained recognition in 2018 when members occupied the office of then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi to advocate for significant climate policy changes, with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joining the sit-in.

However, their focus has shifted recently.

In an Instagram post from January 22, Sunrise explained their new stance, stating, “We cannot pass climate policy under a fascist government that has been bought by Big Oil and is literally starting wars on their behalf.”

They emphasized the importance of resisting ICE, calling it a strategic necessity.

As issues surrounding “climate justice” lose relevance, these left-leaning organizations, including Sunrise, are redirecting their protest efforts towards anti-ICE campaigns aimed at challenging the Trump administration.

A student guidebook from the Sunrise Movement obtained by Defending Education indicates, “No politician can hold a job, no school can operate as usual, and no business can profit if we side with ICE’s violence against us.”

This serves as a commitment to disrupt everyday life for many Americans.

The guide outlines a detailed strike strategy, offering step-by-step directions for recruitment, speeches, chants, and social media activity, as well as ways to engage participants for the long term.

Political mobilization is evident in their messaging.

At one point, the guide claims President Trump is “waging war” and plotting to “steal the next election.”

Sunrise urges students to undertake “massive non-cooperation to stop the advance of authoritarians” while building “a majority of students and workers in schools.”

“We are not here to return to the status quo. We are here to win a political revolution,” they assert, rallying students to join the ongoing protests.

Documents obtained by Defending Education reveal that the Twin Cities Student ICE Response Group has received training from the Sunrise Movement.

The accompanying “walkout guide” featured demands similar to those put forth by UNIDOS-MN and the St. Paul Federation of Educators.

The “ICE Safety Training for Twin Cities Metro Students” document includes guidance on actions to take if ICE appears on school property, alongside encouragement to resist truancy measures imposed by schools.

On January 23, students across Minneapolis plan to participate in walkouts and strikes to “shut down ICE.” The Sunrise chapter in the Twin Cities held a Zoom meeting to prepare, stating, “Minnesota is under attack, and our schools are the front lines.”

One registration form articulated stark conditions, noting that students have faced “tear gas, kidnapping, and disappearance.”

“Trump is testing us to see how far he can go with his authoritarian policies,” it read.

On the day of the strike, Sunrise hosted a large rally for high school students throughout the metropolitan area to “connect, learn about our rights, and build student power to drive ICE out of Minnesota.”

It seems now that civics education translates into putting classes on hold for causes deemed worthy.

Reports indicate that K-12 schools nationwide are increasingly facilitating initiatives centered around social justice.

The Sunrise Movement is supported by organizations such as the Ford Foundation, Tides Foundation, and Windward Fund, alongside backing from influential entities like the American Education Association, led by President Becky Pringle, who has engaged in various Sunrise activities.

Ultimately, their goal appears to be “massive destruction.”

“Students around the world must express solidarity with Minneapolis,” Sunrise stated on Instagram.

While activists claim to be “fighting fascism,” their objectives appear more focused on dismantling established Western norms and institutions that sustain society, such as orderly conduct and merit-based systems.

Their strategy is precise, practical, and surprisingly effective.

By involving young individuals in activist activities while they are still in high school and fostering connections in college, they shape a new generation aimed at revolution, not just reform.