On January 14, 2025, students across the U.S. staged walkouts to protest against ICE raids and the federal murders of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. This marked the second demonstration in two weeks, reflecting a rising demand for a general strike to oppose the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The protests have exposed a divide between student activism and the response from union officials, who have discouraged participation in these actions, citing rules and prioritizing order over collective action.
In various locations, unions issued strict directives against teachers participating in protests, framing compliance as a measure of professionalism while undermining solidarity. For example, guidance from unions like the Spokane Education Association and Sweetwater Education Association warned educators of potential disciplinary actions for supporting walkouts, effectively suppressing grassroots movements.
The article argues that these union interventions reflect a long-standing political orientation aimed at maintaining the status quo. It emphasizes the need for new organizational forms, like rank-and-file committees, to advocate for genuine protections and collective action against state repression. The authors call for solidarity among educators, students, and workers to confront the challenges posed by the escalating violence and brutality of the state, which is rooted in the economic crisis of American capitalism.
