A student walkout at Leesburg High School on Wednesday has stirred strong reactions across the community, with questions emerging about student discipline, free speech and district policy.

According to multiple parents and students, a group of Leesburg High students left campus during the school day as part of what participants described as an organized protest related to immigration enforcement. Although the students were permitted to stay on campus for their organized protest, reports indicate students walked toward the Leesburg City Hall area before dispersing.

By late Wednesday, concerns circulated on social media that students involved in the walkout could face disciplinary consequences, including possible suspensions. Several parents said they contacted the school seeking clarification on disciplinary action but had not yet received definitive answers.

One post said they were “very concerned that students are receiving unfair punishment” for what they believe was an exercise of First Amendment rights.

“What seemed to be an organized protest… is apparently going to end with every student receiving a 10-day suspension against Lake County guidelines,” the post said, adding that they were awaiting clarification from school administrators.

The situation has sparked a heated online debate, with community members divided over whether the walkout constituted protected expression or an inappropriate disruption of instructional time.

Some residents argued that students should remain in class and focus on academics.

“Those kids should be in school learning, not getting involved in this,” one commenter wrote. “Freedom of speech doesn’t mean skipping school.”

Others defended the students’ actions, pointing out that many of the participants are nearing voting age and have previously been encouraged to engage in civic processes.

“We all walked out in 2018 for causes we believed in,” another commenter wrote. “Some of these students are old enough to vote, be tried as adults, and serve in the military, yet are being told they shouldn’t be involved in civic issues.”

Another community member said they may not agree with the cause of the protest but still support the right to demonstrate.

“I don’t agree with their point, but I agree with protesting an issue they see,” the commenter wrote. “They have the right to protest, and the county school board should not be punishing students for exercising rights.”

The walkout occurred just one day after a letter from the Florida Department of Education was distributed to school districts statewide. The letter addressed reports of organized student protest activity during the school day and emphasized the responsibility of districts to protect instructional time and campus safety.

In the letter, state officials wrote that while students retain constitutional rights to free expression, those rights must be exercised in compliance with school district policy and state law. The letter stressed that protest activity must not interrupt instructional time, school operations or student supervision.

The guidance also stated that school staff and administrators must not encourage or facilitate protest activity during the school day and that any conduct diverting students from instruction could warrant disciplinary action.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Lake County Schools had not issued a public statement specifically addressing the Leesburg High School walkout or confirming disciplinary measures.

District officials are expected to review the incident in accordance with state guidance and local school board policy.

Photos provided.