Correcting Misinformation Regarding February 13 Incident

Students were not disciplined for their message, beliefs, or viewpoints related to immigration or any political issue. Administrative action was taken because students left campus without authorization and engaged in conduct that created safety concerns and disrupted the learning environment. These expectations apply to all students, regardless of the cause or viewpoint being expressed, and are outlined in the Texas Education Code and the East Central ISD Student Code of Conduct.

Administrators and officers were responding to an evolving safety situation involving minors near a busy roadway. Staff followed standard safety protocols and used district resources to keep students safe and prevent them from entering traffic or unsafe areas.

Students and families were notified both in person and in writing that leaving campus without authorization carries consequences. In addition, ECISD provided structured opportunities for dialogue, including a supervised panel discussion on February 17 featuring city leaders and subject-matter experts, during which students listened, learned, and engaged with contemporary immigration issues in a safe and respectful environment.

During the February 13 incident of students leaving campus without authorization, documented behaviors included:

• Leaving assigned areas and exiting campus without authorization

• Refusing to return to campus when directed by administrators

• Refusing to identify themselves so parents could be contacted

• Loudly shouting profanities that disrupted classrooms and instruction

• Directing profanity toward administrators and law enforcement officers working to keep students safe near a busy roadway 

• Engaging in unsafe actions near traffic (Highway 87)

• Making obscene gestures toward a passing special needs bus

• Entering a vehicle driven by a non-parent or guardian without permission

Consequences varied based on each student’s individual behavior, number of violations, and prior disciplinary history. Students received a combination of In-School Suspension and Out-of-School Suspension based on their individual conduct. Any student whose privileges are temporarily suspended has a defined path to restore them through established campus processes. No students were expelled, and no students were placed in alternative education settings.

East Central ISD’s responsibility is to protect all students — including those who chose to remain in class — and to maintain a safe learning environment while supporting responsible student expression.