On February 20th, 2026, students at Salem and other VBCPS high schools, including Tallwood, Princess Anne, Kempsville, and Green Run, staged peaceful walkouts at their schools to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies.
“I decided to participate in [Green Run’s] walkout because it was a way to voice out my opinion as a teen, to show what I was against from what was happening in the world,” said Green Run student Elorah Ellison. “It felt like a chance to actually express how I felt and how everyone who walked out, as well as coming together as a community to fight for what was right.
Salem principal Carey Manugo sent out an email to parents and guardians that set the guidelines for this walkout under SB policy. Manugo reminded students and parents that anyone who violated the Code of Conduct would be assigned discipline accordingly.
The walkout was organized by seniors Jaeda Phelps and Niyah Smith, and administrators were present and supervised the walkout. Each had their assigned areas and responsibilities. Senior Bethany Wilmoth served as a speaker during the event. An estimated 200+ students congregated in the band hallway around 12:15. Some passed out shirts and posters spreading anti-ICE sentiments.
Once outside, Wilmoth, with a crowd of SunDevils in tow, announced the guidelines for the protest. Then she gave a speech.
“My primary goal was to show my peers that we aren’t helpless when it comes to social justice,” said Wilmoth. “With recent sightings of ICE in Hampton Roads, along with arrests and recent calls to build ICE processing/detention facilities in our state, it’s important for [Salem students] to know how we can use our voices for good.”
Salem staff ensured that rules for a successful and peaceful protest were in place and understood. Assistant Principal Corrin Bacs and Academy Coordinator Mrs. Sharon Byrd were outside, monitoring the assembly.
“We are always open to conversations with students about issues that are important to them,” said Byrd. “Our role is to support students’ rights while also maintaining a positive learning environment for everyone. We were proud to see students conducting themselves with maturity and respect while participating in a civic moment that was meaningful to them.”
Many students attended to voice their opinions, while others chose not to participate.
“I did not attend the walkout because, in all honesty, the thought sounded intimidating to me. I’m not really one for loud remarks, and I thought that silently walking around wouldn’t help the purpose,” said senior Olivia Turner. “I am so proud of all my friends who went and spoke up, though.”
Salem handled the peaceful walkout differently from many other schools. A few weeks before, about three hundred students from Woodbridge High School faced a 3-day OSS for vocalizing their concerns. Salem’s protest was smaller, admin-approved, and had mutually understood guidelines between students and faculty.
“The walkout was fairly small-scale and contained, which helped to alleviate fears amongst students new to protesting, which was the majority of participants,” said Wilmoth. “Students seemed happy throughout the day, starting up conversations and encouraging more civic discussions.”
(Photo credits to John V. Diwa)
While Salem’s walkout may not have been as polarizing as Woodbridge’s, the ability to peacefully voice opinions was powerful for participants and non-participants alike.
When allowing students to protest, their voices are heard. I think it is really wonderful that high school students were able to accomplish something they were so passionate about,” said Turner.
Goals were set, and goals were accomplished. Many feel as though it’s not the destination, but the journey that is more important for change to take place.
“Our main goal was to unify students at Salem and encourage them to continue raising their voices,” said Wilmoth. “The walkout served primarily to not only pressure our state and region, but also for all participants to acknowledge that they have power and purpose in these conversations. I don’t want today’s walkout to be the only step we take. It’s just the beginning.”
