Top: Washington students line up along Fremont Boulevard to protest recent ICE actions
Photo provided by Kavya Datt
For many, this moment feels marked by growing division, increasing polarization, and a country that feels lost and unsafe. Over the past month, there has been a national wave of protests and walkouts in response to ICE enforcement incidents and the first anniversary of President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Many students from Washington High School have joined the fight, armed with chants that echo across the lawns of Washington and the streets of Fremont as they walk out and gather, holding signs displaying catchy slogans and using their phones to record moments that show how today’s students engage with politics, activism, and each other.
The walkout at Washington is just one among many across the nation that were organized and spread largely through social media, and thus, word of mouth. For many students, participation stemmed from a desire to take a stance and show what they care about, rather than expecting immediate change. When it comes to being engaged with their communities, many youth find that walkouts and protests often serve as the easiest way to stay civically engaged and express their concerns, especially when many participants are under the voting age of 18. “Students offer new perspectives and challenge things in ways that other people might not have before,” said Adarsh Iyengar, a junior reflecting on youth’s role in activism. “We’re the future generation of voters, and we need to be aware of the issues around us so we know how to act on them as we grow up.” In a time when young people often feel powerless and pessimistic about future outcomes, being able to take control of their time and actions provides a sense of authority in their lives.
Teachers observing the walkout expressed mixed feelings. Mr. Bortz, the AP Environmental Science teacher, emphasized that political engagement looks different for students and educators, and varies from person to person, but he said that everyone has a role. “As a teacher, I think you have a responsibility to inspire kids to work politically,” he said. “That doesn’t mean forcing opinions, but teaching students how to have conversations about political issues and how to listen to viewpoints they disagree with.” He explained that everyone has a duty to be engaged, but that that may look different for each person. Regarding walkouts specifically, he expressed skepticism about their effectiveness as tools for political or social change. “I think it’s good to be around people who are supportive and not feel alone,” he said. To him, their value lies more in community building than in truly changing minds or producing tangible results.
As such, for many, walkouts and social-media based activism raise concerns that they are “performative” and ineffective. Social media evidently played a central role in spreading information about the numerous walkouts, with posts circulating rapidly and being reposted across many stories. Some students believe that walking out doesn’t bring about any change, and thus exists more as a tool to feel like something is happening. Others believe that taking action, no matter how small or inconsequential it may feel, is what matters most. So, while platforms can help students learn when and where to gather, many ponder whether online activism results in meaningful change and whether, on balance, social media does more harm than good for political activism. Adarsh explains his perspective, saying, “Social media is good at amplifying voices and spreading information, but it can also lead to misinformation and polarization.” Social media is known for perpetuating echochambers, where one’s ideas are constantly reinforced, furthering the division we see in society.
This is partially because we exist in a unique time, characterized by a digital age where dopamine and instant gratification outweigh meaningful understanding. It is common for people to read the first few headlines and roll with them, without truly understanding the crux of the issues. “There’s no 30-second video that can teach you everything you need to understand about a complicated political or scientific problem,” explained Mr. Bortz. Long-form discussions and deep learning are often lost in short-form online content. He believes that sometimes, posting something on TikTok or showing political support becomes a substitute for actually taking action. To him, the best way to get involved is by finding a real issue in your community where you can do hands-on work and make a material impact.
So, as students continue exploring political engagement in a polarized digital world, walkouts and social-media based activism highlight an evolving definition of activism. Whether through protests, community service, or dialogue with one another, one thing is clear: students are finding their own unique ways to stay involved in shaping the society they live in.
Kavya Datt is a senior at Washington High School, born and raised in the Bay Area, California. This is her first year writing for the Hatchet, and likes writing about global issues and community impact stories. Outside of journalism, she’s heavily involved with debate, a few clubs on campus, and a long time community volunteer. In her free time, she enjoys painting, reading, traveling, and binge-watching shows. In the future, she hopes to study something interdisciplinary in policy and global affairs, combining research and advocacy.