Bates Middle School Students Reportedly Plan Walkout to Stand With Peers Affected by ICE, Parent Says

A group of students at Bates Middle School is reportedly planning a walkout to stand with peers affected by recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the area, a parent told Report Annapolis News.

According to the parent, students from multiple grade levels are expected to participate in the protest, which is reportedly being organized by a group of 7th and 8th grade students. The protest is expected to take place outside the school briefly during the day on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Students are expected to return to class and complete the remainder of the school day following the walkout. 

The parent said some students support the message behind the protest but may choose not to participate. “Some of the other students support the message but are afraid of potential reprisal from either school administrators or their parents,” the parent said. “School administrators are aware of the situation, but have made it clear they are remaining neutral. They have emphasized that student safety is the top priority and that the student code of conduct will still apply.”

The parent added that the students involved say their goal is to feel safe and to ensure their friends feel safe as well. “Even if the political nuance of it all is advanced for them, they understand these concepts,” the parent stated. “Bates has around a 35% Hispanic population and they see how ICE is profiling and targeting people in those communities. The students want to feel safe and they want their friends to feel safe too. Many of them are struggling with how they can help, and they believe this is one way."

According to public records, 707 students students are enrolled at Bates Middle School. 

Bob Mosier, spokesperson for the Anne Arundel County Public School System, released the following statement:

"Principals across our district have been involved in conversations regarding potential walkouts. To be perfectly clear, schools are neither sponsoring nor encouraging walkouts. However, principals have been asked to speak with student leaders when they learn of potential walkouts and to have conversations about student safety during such activities."