A photo recently surfaced on social media featuring an academic counselor from an Ohio school, holding a sign that states, “You Can’t Love God and ICE.” This image was shared on February 16 by Jack Windsor, who identified the woman as Selena McKnight, an academic counselor at Olentangy High School, located about 30 minutes from Columbus.
In the photo, McKnight is seen alongside several students, and while the complete message on her sign isn’t fully visible, it seems to reference Exodus 22:21, which advises against mistreating foreigners, reminding people of their own history as foreigners in Egypt.
Windsor indicated that this display led to divisions among the students, with some feeling uncomfortable about the situation. The Olentangy School District confirmed a “self-initiated student-led walkout” took place at the school on February 12. One student was carrying a sign that read, “Fight Ignorance, Not Immigrants.”
Ohio Republican Representative Beth Lea commented that the signs highlighted a lack of biblical understanding in schools. Meanwhile, a well-known right-wing TikTok account criticized the situation as using taxpayer funds to influence students against ICE.
As tensions surrounding ICE have escalated, protests have intensified, particularly following incidents involving the agency. Recently, ICE reported alarming increases in assaults and threats against its officers, including a notable rise in vehicle attacks against police.
The Olentangy School District stated that the February 12 walkout was neither planned nor endorsed by the school or district, emphasizing that no employees were involved in the protest. They affirmed their commitment to remaining neutral in political matters and warned that breaches of this policy would be dealt with according to established guidelines.
Fox News Digital has attempted to reach McKnight for her perspective on the matter.
