Dear ESD Families,
We would like to provide an update regarding the student walkout that occurred today. There is a lot of inaccurate information being shared and we want to be clear about what happened.
On February 4, 2026, the school district was made aware of a social media post circulating among students that encouraged a school walkout on February 13, 2026.
We immediately took the following actions:
School and district administrators met with staff to ensure consistent communication with students regarding expectations and the district’s response.
Students were informed that demonstrations are not permitted on school grounds during the school day, and any absences related to a walkout would be considered unexcused.
A communication was sent to all ESD families to share this information and strongly encourage families to talk with their students to help them better understand school expectations, the importance of remaining engaged in learning, and appropriate ways to express their opinions and concerns.
We communicated with local law enforcement to ensure student safety.
Today, at approximately 11:40 am, a group of approximately 100 students left Enumclaw High School to participate in the walkout. The students left campus by 11:50 am and proceeded to City Hall. Instruction continued as scheduled, and teachers took attendance in each class.
We want to be clear that this activity was a student-led event. It was not organized or promoted by ESD and was not school-sponsored in any way.
Students who chose to participate were marked absent; those absences were recorded as unexcused. Any students who left campus unexcused were marked truant in accordance with the district attendance policy. Students remain fully responsible for any missed instruction, classwork or assessments as a result of their decision.
While the schools did not promote or sanction this activity, we acknowledge students' First Amendment rights and are guided by School Board policy and state law regarding student rights.
Specifically:
Policy 3220 (Freedom of Expression) affirms students' verbal and written expression of opinion on school premises so long as it does not substantially disrupt the operation of the school or otherwise violate this policy.
Policy 3223 (Freedom of Assembly) states that students have the right to assemble peacefully; however, the school retains the authority to regulate the time, place, and manner of assemblies to ensure safety and order. Such activities shall not be permitted to interfere with the normal operation of the school.
Our primary responsibilities in these moments are to ensure student safety while on campus and to limit disruptions to instruction for others. Instructional staff remained in the building and continued teaching. Administrators and non-instructional staff went outside to provide supervision and ensure student safety while the students were on campus. No instructional time or district resources were permitted to be used to create materials related to the walkout.
After the school day was over at 1:15 pm, it was reported to us that two students were taken into police custody, and the Enumclaw Police Department released the following statement:
“At approximately 11:40 a.m. on February 13, students from Enumclaw High School initiated a planned protest. Students walked from the school to Enumclaw City Hall while Enumclaw Police Department drones monitored the event for public safety. Approximately one hour into the protest at City Hall, officers received reports of a protestor possibly possessing a firearm. Officers contacted participants but were unable to verify any evidence of a firearm being displayed or locate anyone in possession of one. While officers were investigating the firearm report, they were informed of a recent unprovoked assault that had been captured on video. Officers determined there was probable cause to detain the assault suspect and attempted to stop the individual. The suspect fled, resulting in a foot pursuit that ended at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Porter Street. When officers attempted to arrest the juvenile female suspect, approximately 25 protestors surrounded the officers. As officers escorted the suspect, protestors continued to crowd officers and direct significantly derogatory remarks toward them. During this time, a second juvenile female protestor was arrested for obstructing a law enforcement officer after interfering with the initial arrest.
Two juvenile suspects were arrested during this incident. Charges of Assault in the Fourth Degree, Obstruction, and Resisting Arrest will be recommended for one suspect. Obstruction charges will be recommended for the second suspect. The case will be forwarded to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for review. The suspects did not meet booking criteria for the King County Juvenile Detention Center and were released to appropriate guardians.
The Enumclaw Police Department supports the community’s right to peacefully protest and works to ensure the safety of participants during these events. We appreciate the majority of protestors who remained peaceful and cooperative. However, assault, harassment, and obstruction of law enforcement are criminal acts and cannot be tolerated, even during a protest. We commend our officers for addressing safety concerns, de-escalating a large crowd, and helping prevent further harm during this event.”
Families sometimes ask what schools can do to prevent walkouts or demonstrations from happening. The reality is that schools have limited authority to stop peaceful student expression. As a public school, we must balance student rights with our responsibility to maintain order and protect the rights of others. While we cannot always prevent a demonstration from occurring, we can and will respond if the behavior on campus becomes unsafe or disruptive to the learning or the well-being of others.
Having accurate information is essential. We encourage you to discuss this with your student to help them navigate their role as active citizens.
Sincerely,
Jill Burnes
Superintendent
