Mustang walkout absences lead to 122 student suspensions after protest

Mustang walkout absences tied to anti-ICE protest

More than 100 students in the Mustang school district are facing consequences after participating in a protest that resulted in significant Mustang walkout absences earlier this month.

District officials confirmed 122 students were suspended after leaving class during an anti-ICE demonstration connected to national immigration debates. Administrators emphasized the discipline was tied to attendance violations—not political viewpoints.

Policies governing attendance and truancy are outlined by the Oklahoma State Department of Education, which requires schools to track instructional time and enforce absence rules.

District says discipline based on attendance, not speech

School leaders stated none of the students were punished for the content of their protest or their political beliefs. Instead, the district said students were disciplined for missing scheduled instruction and leaving campus without authorization.

Attendance expectations are reinforced under statewide truancy guidance from the Oklahoma State Department of Education, which requires districts to maintain accountability for time spent in class.

Officials say they must balance student free speech rights with classroom responsibilities and safety policies.

Governor responds to student protest and truancy

Governor Kevin Stitt weighed in publicly, posting on social media that free speech is sacred, but that truancy and missed instruction can harm students’ long-term academic success.

Education leaders say similar situations may continue as students engage with national political issues, forcing districts to navigate discipline, attendance law, and constitutional rights.

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