Walk Out
“My body, My choice!” shouted someone from outside Bell High School.
May 13, 2022
Students, some chanting “abortion,” walked out of school on May 12th to protest the leaked Supreme Court position on abortion rights. A group met in the East Quad and marched out of school. Staff gathered at the entrance of the main building to discourage students from leaving, but were told to let them exit.
“I was in front of everybody, but nobody wanted to open the doors so I went through the principal and administrators and opened the doors for everyone,” one freshman said.
Around 80-90 students flooded through the doors. Posters could be seen being handed out saying “Abortion on demand & without apology.” The students received support from passing cars honking.
Two administrators were soon called out outside and could be seen recording the crowd.
“I think it was a good cause, and great that students supported it, but I don’t think it will do much,” junior Andrea Cisneros said. “If awareness was their goal, then I think they did a good job by participating.”
While some students took this protest seriously, it seemed that some walked out just to ditch. “Dude, everyone’s walking out, let’s just go,” one of the students walking out of their class yelled in excitement to their friend. Some just took the opportunity to leave school but not participate in the protest.
“I’ll say one thing. The people who are above 17 should have signed a petition instead of going to a walk out cause they should know that it’s childish, and younger people should have waited ‘till after school instead of causing ruckus,” senior Osvaldo Rivas said.
“I stayed in class and continued my education,” senior Rachel Romero said. “I asked my government teacher about the walkout and he told me that we did not learn from the past and this could have been executed differently.”
According to Rise4abortionright, members joined multiple schools to help lead the protest. They passed out stickers, bandanas, and posters. Multiple students from different schools all met up at one point. Students and others who participated in this local protest walked to Salt Lake Park and discussed the protest.
“The walkout yesterday was an experience I do not regret participating in,” junior Sammantha Gonzalez said. “When we walked out there were protesters already with posters, flags and water for the students to use. We began to chant and I felt as if we young women and men came together to fight for our rights and what we believe in.”
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Andrew Aguilar Ortiz • May 23, 2022 at 2:38 pm
I think it was a good thing, but it was the wrong way to do it because it confused the class.
gonzales p6
Daisy • May 22, 2022 at 6:45 pm
I believe they could consider protests during lunch or after school so to not disrupt class time.
Daisy Martinez
Ms. Jonassonn
Period 2
Gigi Reyes • May 24, 2022 at 2:55 pm
Hello, Daisy thank you for reading our story on the walk. I appreciate the comment but if the walkout was during lunch or an after-school thing it would have defeated the whole purpose of protesting and showing the school along with the public eye that abortion is something even students are taking seriously.
Karla • May 21, 2022 at 12:00 am
I first heard about the walkout from my friend who asked if I would participate. I am glad I did walk out because we need our voices heard because it was for a serious cause. Also, I’m very glad I was able to do it and even walked with the group all the way to Salt Lake park, except for the fact that most students took advantage of this and just decided to ditch and not participate in the walk to the park. I am happy that we were able to get our voices heard by people and we were able to walk for women’s rights. I also would do it again because we need our voices to be heard.
Karla Raya
Period:2
Ms. Jonasson
Kevin Fernandez • May 20, 2022 at 10:31 pm
The walkout that occurred on May 12 was such a good movement. Many students used this as a form of speaking up to the government nationwide. Many staff members and administrators were on standby to stop the walkout because some students decided to use this as a way to skip 5th and 6th period just to hang out with their friends. But many teachers told us to do what we want or to do what we think is right because it is our very first amendment, freedom of speech expression and assembly. All of these laws are here to help us speak up for what we think is right no matter if we are students or adults. I personally think safe abortion should stay available to any woman in every state, due to reasons of rape, financial issues, or incest. Many teenage moms or parents have either way too many mouths to feed and can’t provide for another stomach or can barely provide for themselves and are not ready to settle down and become a family. With either a father that ran away or a single mother with way too many responsibilities on her hands with school or an important job. Abortion would always exist, we just want it to be safe due to the many deaths that have happened due to infections or eternal bleeding. We all need to fight these battles for women all around the nation.
Ms.Jonasson
period 2
Denise • May 20, 2022 at 10:26 pm
The walkout had good intentions but some people used the walk out as an excuse to get out of class and do what they want. There were some people that did use the walkout properly but most people did want what they wanted. But I believe that the kids had done the right thing by walking out even though it was just a little bit of students outside it was good they went out with their own free will. They went out with what they believe. although there were some students that didn’t know why they were walking out. But many students did know why they were walking out.But to all those students that knew what they were doing I applaud them because they are now standing up for themselves and for their rights.
Denise Cervantes
Ms Jonasson period 2nd
Carlos • May 20, 2022 at 9:20 pm
I think this was good. This form of protest shows that people in our school support a women’s right to choose what she does with her own body. Although I do have some negatives about this. I personally feel like this could have been planned better. As far as I know, we were told of this last minute. Other than that, this was a great way to protest the leaked supreme court draft.
Carlos Garcia
Ms. Jonasson
Per 6
Kimberly Jimenez • May 20, 2022 at 4:55 pm
I didn’t participate in the walkout that day but I did see that many people walked out holding posters. I agree with ” My body, my choice” because even if we commit a mistake at the end of the day it’s our choice to decide what we want and what happens to our body. The day I saw the post I taught not many people were going to participate but many did, except others took advantage of the situation and decided to ditch it. Either way, I’m glad others stood by and protested for women’s rights because this doesn’t happen often. I was also very surprised when I saw many kids walk out and see the principal and staff letting them out because I taught they would be more strict and close the doors but I guess they saw too many kids and decide not to stand in their way.
– Kimberly Jimenez, Period 1, Mrs.Jonasson
vivian diaz, period 2, Ms.Jonasson • May 20, 2022 at 3:00 pm
The walkout protesting the overturning of abortion rights that have been rightfully fought for over the course of decades ensued with good intentions. Young women of Bell High School felt very passionately about having a voice and playing a role in laws that directly impacted them. They had the opportunity to stand and raise their voice; it was a walkout of empowerment. However, there were outliers in the crowd; those who walked out to ditch a class and avoid the assignments they’d have to do. The walkout lacked organization seeing as those who walked out with a mind set of indifference were not reciprocating the energy and passion of the advocates for abortion rights. Still, it was a step in the right direction and successfully showed staff, classmates, and the entirety of Bell High that its students don’t shy away from the changes they hope to see.
Enrique Rojas, Mrs. Jonasson Per 5 • May 20, 2022 at 2:19 pm
I agree that abortion should remain legal and it definitely is a choice for pregnant women whether they want to keep their baby or not. This freedom to choose to keep your baby or not should be valued just as much as we value freedom of speech or the right to protest. I’m glad that high school students are having their voices heard when it comes to topics such as abortions because teenagers will no longer have the option of abortion if they were to get pregnant. While I do agree with the message, I don’t agree with the fact that many students used this protest against banning abortion as an excuse to skip class. Seeing students not even stick around to protest and just go somewhere else really put a sour taste in my mouth. I also found it odd that the principal held the door open to let students out. Overall, this protest promoted a good message but it definitely could’ve been executed better.
Amber Orozco • May 20, 2022 at 9:55 am
I think the Bell High School walkout was a good cause and great that students supported it. As much as this was a good cause many kids took advantage of this situation and ditched. Despite the kids who walked out there were many kids who enjoyed participating. But I can say I do agree with the walkout because women should have the right to choose what they want to do with their bodies. I’m glad there were many who participated in this walk out and follow instructions. Other than that I was happy to see that everything turned out to be fine.
– Amber Orozco
-Ms. Jonasson
– Period 2
reyna arias • May 20, 2022 at 9:36 am
I believe this protest was a great movement created by the students, it shows how involved the students are. Many students walked out for the protest but of course there were many that just used it as an excuse to get out of class. As a young woman it was great to see many of us taking a stand for what we believed in. Personally I agree that this protest was needed just for many others to see and hopefully inspire them to take a stand. I believe it is important for us to have the choice of what happens to our bodies. Overall this protest was amazing to see because of how prepared and organized the students were.
Reyna Arias
Ms. Jonasson
P1
JULIAN CARDIEL • May 20, 2022 at 8:52 am
I feel like the walkout was not planned out well. A lot of people took advantage of it to ditch and leave class. Many of them walked out of school not knowing the real reason why they are walking out. I did like how some took it seriously and actually planned it out. Some made posters to make it stand out. Like Andrea Cisneros stated, “If awareness was their goal, then I think they did a good job participating.” I agree because I’m sure it did get attention even though it wasn’t a lot. They tried and that’s all that matters. Next time they decide to plan a walkout, they should not rush it and instead give it time to spread the word and actually plan it well so more people can participate
Mrs.Jonasson
period 1
Anahi • May 20, 2022 at 8:47 am
I found out about the walkout the night before on Instagram saying they’d walk out at around the end of 3rd period. I think the walkout was great for young women and men to show their opinions on the matter by protesting. However, most students didn’t even walk out for the protest, and some students took the advantage to just go home or go out with friends. It’s a little disappointing that those students didn’t really care about the matter and just went home. Other than that the protest went well, walking with other students from schools, and cars honking for showing their support for the matter. I support what the students did they had their own opinions on the matter and walked the streets with pride.
Anahi Escalona
Ms. Jonasson
Period 6
vanessa flores • May 19, 2022 at 2:59 pm
The purpose of the walk out was to protest in favor of abortion rights. I believe the majority of the students who participated in this movement knew what they were doing and why. It was handled in a good way but some students took advantage of the walk out to ditch school. Their goal in walking out was to spread awareness and I believe they achieved it. Some students had posters to help put their voice out there. I believe the students had a right to protest and be heard.
Ms.Jonassan
Period:4
Andrew Aguilar Ortiz • May 19, 2022 at 2:06 pm
I was thinking about the walkout at school the other day, and I believe it was a fantastic idea. People used the walkout to ditch, which I noticed. They could have been more structured and planned ahead of time, in my opinion. Participants did a wonderful job spreading the word with posters and cars that honked in support. The purpose of the walkout was unclear to several pupils. The administration should meet with students to discuss their perspectives and what they believe is the best course of action.
Andrew Aguilar Ortiz
Pireod 5
Ms Jonasson
Alex • May 19, 2022 at 12:35 pm
The walkout had good intentions but some people used the walk out as an excuse to get out of class and do what they want. There were some people that did use the walkout properly but most people did what they wanted. The people that did protest made it clear that they wanted to make their voice known. There was even some people from other school and people who were walking and driving by who supported the protesters. Every protester that I saw really gave it they’re all. They were shouting and cheering so that they would be noticed, not just by the school but by other people. Everyone who participated in it did a very good job of doing what they needed to do.
Hassan k. • May 19, 2022 at 9:46 am
In my opinion this protest was not a smart move as these types of walkouts make 0 change.
During the walkout only like 70-80 student’s walked out compared to 2000 students at the school. Half of those students just went to ditch and did not even participate in the protest.
I also don’t support the walkout as abortion is bad, no innocent life should die over a parent’s mistake. Walking out and supporting that is basically supporting the death of innocent babies. But for the way they did the walkout they seemed to have a bad job organizing it as barely students even walked out.
Period 6
Hassan Kassira
Ms JONASSON
Deniss • May 19, 2022 at 9:27 am
I’m glad people stood up for this protest. Some kids actually went to walkout and some just ditched.I feel like if they had planned it out better like the period a lot more people would have gone. Hopefully for the next walkout a lot more kids go and not just go to ditch
Deniss Guadalupe
Ms Jonasson
Period 5
Deniss • May 19, 2022 at 9:15 am
I’m glad that they protest it’s a really serious situation going on. Some kids actually walked out and some took an advantage to just ditch school. Not that many people went and i feel like they should have planned it better. Hopefully for the next walkout a lot more kids participate and don’t just ditch.
Deniss Guadalupe
Ms Jonasson
Per 5
Julissa Velazquez • May 19, 2022 at 9:01 am
I was thinking of what happened at school last time with the walkout and I think it was a good idea. One thing I noticed is that people took advantage of the walkout to ditch. I believe that they could have been more organized and planned it with more time. People who actually participated did a good job because they got the word out with the posters and the cars that supported them by honking. Some students didn’t really know the point of the walkout. The administration should have a meeting with the students to talk about their opinions and what they think is the right thing.
Julissa Velazquez
Period 1
Ms. Jonasson
Fernando Velez • May 18, 2022 at 11:38 pm
The walkout had good intentions but some people used the walk out as an excuse to get out of class and do what they want. There were some people that did use the walkout properly but most people did what they wanted. For the people that did protest they made it clear that they wanted to make their voice known. There was even some people from other school and people who were walking and driving by who supported the protesters. Every protester that I saw really gave it their all. They were shouting and cheering so that they would be noticed, not just by the school but by other people. Everyone who participated in it did a very good job in doing what they needed to do.
Fernando Velez
Ms. Jonasson
Period 5
Erick • May 18, 2022 at 2:28 pm
I believe the walkout was a good idea. People wanted their voices to be heard and by protesting, they did. I think everyone has the right to have an opinion and protest for what they think is right. I think that what they did was not wrong and they had all the right to protest, although a lot of people used the protest to take advantage and ditch. I respect the people who did walk out for a reason trying to get their voices heard. I think the students should have been better educated about the situation, but other than that the students did a great job on the protest.
Erick Gambino
Ms. Jonassonn
Per 4
Annette • May 18, 2022 at 1:00 pm
I believe that the kids had done the right thing by walking out even though it was just a bit of students outside it is good they went out with their own free will. They went out with what they believe!
Lucero • May 18, 2022 at 12:54 pm
I believe that the walkout was really both good and bad. One reason why it was good was because it shows how students at Bell support My body, My Choice. On the other hand, some students were using it as an excuse to ditch and not care about the protest.
Deisy Rojo • May 18, 2022 at 11:51 am
I heard about the walkout a day before it happened because it was posted on Instagram. When I first heard about it I thought it was a good idea because many girls do this for their own needs or for other women. The day of the walkout I saw how many kids took advantage of this and went to go ditch and that didn’t really help change anything. I am very proud of the people who actually walked out and walked all the way to Salt Lake Park to spread their thoughts. They stood up for us women! Yet I believe these events should be planned ahead of time with people who actually care about these protests. Also, I believe the school principal should take his time to prepare a meeting where we get to learn more about these events.
-Deisy Rojo
Ms Jonasson
Period 1
pgf • May 18, 2022 at 10:41 am
I think it’s great students are voicing out their opinion, and I agree with abortion rights, so I would have walked out too
yaretzi Hernandez • May 18, 2022 at 10:38 am
I think that it was a good idea with a good intention, although there were people who used it as an excuse to ditch school, many people did stay and supported abortion rights.
Sean • May 17, 2022 at 12:51 pm
I believe, that the walkout was unjustified because many students walked out just to ditch school. Also, many students didn’t know why they were walking out. But many students knew why they were walking out. To those students, I applaud them because they are standing up for themselves and for their rights. Also, this is a problem that will affect many if we don’t stand up now. Finally, this walkout is unjustified because the students should have been educated about it.
Sean Hernandez
Ms. Jonassonn
Period 2
Albieri Briano • May 17, 2022 at 12:17 pm
I saw the walkout happen. I felt like most students used the walkout as an excuse to “ditch”. They took advantage of a situation that was an actual problem. The Roe V. Wade situation is an actual crisis that will affect millions of people throughout the country. And people recklessly used it as an opportunity to maliciously leave their studies. They should be ashamed of themselves. I was surprised that the principal held the door open for people that were protesting. Normally, they’d be the ones to tell everyone to go back to class, but this proves that they were on the sides of the people protesting. I think that it is nice that people are expressing their voice and opinions and using their freedom of speech in a peaceful matter. It’s what James Madison envisioned when he wrote the first amendment.
Albieri Briano
Ms.Jonasson Per.1
kenia mayorga • May 17, 2022 at 10:23 am
What I think about this protest was that it was good idea in the moment but it didn’t change anything really. The reason why I say this is because some of the kids took the protest seriously and went to the park to fully support it. And some of the kids just took it as joke and an opportunity to just walk out and leave school.
Kenia Mayorga
Miguel • May 17, 2022 at 10:12 am
The walkout that happened last Thursday was crazy. I was outside the restroom when I started seeing people leaving their classrooms and meeting up at the front of the school. I was confused but remembered there was going to be a protest about abortion rights. I saw people holding posters and bandanas. There were also people shouting through a microphone and it was loud. I think it was cool because some of my teachers were telling us, students, that it was good if we left the school to go protest.
Miguel Bravo per 4 Ms. Jonasson
Cesar Becerra • May 17, 2022 at 11:32 am
It was pretty crazy!
oscar • May 17, 2022 at 8:56 am
I was glad they acknowledged our desire to protest, and I believe it was because having control over our own bodies is vital to us and to everyone else. It wasn’t put up for individuals to skip school; it was set up to address an issue that is now affecting the world. I saw everything that was going on, but what struck me the most was the number of kids leaving simply to ditch. I was also taken aback by the principal’s holding the door wide for everyone to go out. I anticipated them refusing to let us leave and forcing our way out. This demonstration was attended by myself.
Oscar Duarte
Ms. Jonasson Per 2
Oscar • May 17, 2022 at 8:43 am
I was there for this protest. I watched everything that was happening, but the students leaving basically to ditch hit me the most. This wasn’t created to allow students to skip school; rather, it was created to solve a global problem. The principal holding the door open for everyone to leave also surprised me. I expected them to refuse to let us go and physically remove us. I was relieved that they acknowledged our want to protest, because I believed it was because we and everyone else benefit from having authority over our own bodies.
Oscar Duarte
Ms. Jonasson Per.5
anthony • May 16, 2022 at 4:40 pm
I think the walk out was something that could have turned out in a better way if they planned it .
michelle • May 16, 2022 at 3:02 pm
In other words I think the walk out was a success but at the wrong period of time.
Youseff Saab, Ms. Jonaasson • May 16, 2022 at 2:51 pm The Bell Chimes Pick
To make the change we need to speak up. This whole protest represented the true meaningful definition of Power, Freedom, and justice. Doing this protest really showed how many people are affected by this horrific change. I believe that we all have a voice and should be used at moments like these. Although I believe it was unfair for the people who walked out just to do it without knowing the knowledge behind the WHY. Overall I think the protest was for a good cause that can really help contribute to making change for the people that are affected by this.
Genoveva Salas • May 16, 2022 at 2:08 pm
I think that having the walk out in school wasn’t the best idea for making our voices heard just because I feel like the school had nothing to do with it. It was taking educational time away from students. They probably should have organized a protest after school or on the weekend so it didn’t affect the students so much. I was a part of the walk out to help raise awareness for abortion rights and I do not regret it. I just wish it would have been when school was over so I didn’t miss so much work. But it was a great experience to have and remember.
Genoveva Salas
period 5
Giovanny • May 16, 2022 at 12:35 pm
The students that walked out really got touched by the new “abortion” law. Students all over the world walked out to speak up for women. many communities gathered together and protested because it isn’t fair. Women should be able to speak up for their bodies. Especially because it’s their body nobody should be able to choose for them. Women have the right to!!!!!
Period:2
Ms.Jonasson
Giovanny Larios
destiny • May 16, 2022 at 12:30 pm
I personally think that what they did was not wrong and they had all right to protest. But I noticed some kids left school to ditch or go home, they did not even bother to stay a bit to at least support women’s rights. One thing I also noticed was that one staff member was telling kids that they are wrong for going out of school to do this or they will go through consequences
when they come back.
Cesar Becerra • May 17, 2022 at 11:35 am
Hmm
Lucero • May 16, 2022 at 12:26 pm
I agree with the protest that the students did because it is true, it is our body and we are the ones who make the decisions. I thought it was good, but they should have done it after school because that way they didn’t distract the students because most of the students went out only to ditch the school.
Giovanny • May 16, 2022 at 12:21 pm
Women should be able to defend their bodies. They wanted people to hear them out and they did if they are writing this article. They weren’t the only ones, other school’s around the world also spoke up and gathered together to support this protest. This protest gathered many people and the community together to oppose the new “abortion” law. Many people disagreed with this new law and they had to use their voices to let them know they aren’t happy with it. Women should have the right to speak up, especially if it’s about their body because it’s their BODY!!
Cesar Becerra • May 17, 2022 at 11:30 am
Loved how you made your points!
Ali ghacham • May 16, 2022 at 12:19 pm
I experienced the protest myself. To be honest I participated in it just for the experience. I have never been in to a walk out or a protest. I think the protest was kinda dumb because I knew nothing was gonna change after. What shocked me the most, though, is deans and the principal opening the door for everyone. At the end of the day it was a fun experience and we got to leave school.
Ali Ghacham
MS.Jonasson
p4
Cesar Becerra • May 17, 2022 at 11:29 am
Great points!
Cesar Becerra • May 17, 2022 at 11:31 am
At least it wasn’t a reason to ditch
Anely Lopez • May 16, 2022 at 12:14 pm
I think the school walkout was cool. I did not participate because I was lazy to go walk around and I would’ve gotten in trouble by my parents lol but I do agree with ¨My body, my choice.¨ At first, I thought not many people were gonna participate, but when I saw people posting about it on social media there were tons of students outside. I know many of the students left the school to ditch, but I’m glad that there were still many people who actually did participate in the protest. Meanwhile, I was in class and I heard shouting from outside the window and it turned out to be a whole group of students holding posters and chanting while walking. I was also surprised when a friend told me the principal and school workers had opened the door for the students to walk out. I thought they would’ve locked the doors so the students wouldn’t get out.
– Anely Lopez, Period 4, Ms. Jonasson
Cesar Becerra • May 17, 2022 at 11:28 am
Education first
marvel • May 16, 2022 at 12:13 pm
I agree with the walk out because women have rights to do anything with their body.
Cesar Becerra • May 17, 2022 at 11:27 am
Great point!
marvel • May 16, 2022 at 12:09 pm
The walk out was kind dumb, but it was a good thing people walked out cuz they support womans’ body and they respect woman.
Cesar Becerra • May 17, 2022 at 11:26 am
Respect!
Isaak • May 16, 2022 at 10:18 am
I don’t really think the walkout did anything it only helps for the moment.
Cesar Becerra • May 16, 2022 at 11:29 am
Agreed!
younis abouhamad • May 16, 2022 at 10:05 am The Bell Chimes Pick
I myself was a part of this protest. I witnessed everything that was happening but what stood out to me the most is students walking out just to ditch. People didnt set this up for people to ditch school, it was for a problem that is going on in the world right now. Also the principal holding the door open for everyone to walk out was kind of shocking to me. I expected them to not let us out and us having to force ourselves out. I was kind of happy that they respected that we wanted to protest and I think it was because having the choice of our own body is important to us and everyone else.
Younis Abouhamad
MS.Jonasson
P2
Cesar Becerra • May 16, 2022 at 11:30 am
A lot of great points made right here!
amanda leon • May 16, 2022 at 9:44 am
I think that it was a good cause but the wrong way to execute it since they disturbed classes.
amanda leon
ms.gonzales p2
Cesar Becerra • May 17, 2022 at 11:29 am
Right?!
Cesar Becerra • May 17, 2022 at 11:34 am
Good point
Genesis R • May 16, 2022 at 9:42 am
I agree with what they say. Your body is your choice.
Cesar Becerra • May 17, 2022 at 11:28 am
Thank you