Hundreds of Elyria High School students walk out in protest of district budget cuts, federal immigration enforcement

ELYRIA – Hundreds of students walked out of Elyria High School on Wednesday morning to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and upcoming cuts to the school district's budget. Organized by seniors Dekarion Wimberly and Xander Frisch, students looped around the Middle Avenue building before ending with a brief rally in the courtyard at the back of the building, before returning to class. Increased immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles and elsewhere across the country have made headlines for the past year, and sparked nationwide protests – including actions in Lorain County. The district's budget hits closer to home, with Elyria Schools slashing $9 million in programs and staffing – the deepest cuts since the 2008 financial crisis due to two failed operating levies in 2025 and losses in state, federal and local funding. The walkout's goal, Wimberly said afterward, was to empower the student body and show them, and the community at large, that they have a voice. Frisch agreed, adding the question now is whether or not the impact will be felt long-term. "Will we get the attention of the political figures who make these plans that are affecting us in negative ways? I think it will depend on some of their responses, too and if they respond to that. But just like (Wimberly) said, the outside community here in Elyria and our state as a whole, we've seen walkouts across the country this year and this isn't just another walkout – it's something we put a lot of time and effort into." To outsiders, Wednesday's action may look simple enough. But getting up and walking out of class takes courage, he said, including to face the community's response – which is not always supportive. Wimberly said he saw a lot of his fellow seniors in the throng of students, and reminded legislators that many are, or will be, 18 years old and will be voting in the midterms and every election thereafter. "We will be holding them accountable because we have the power for their jobs," he said. This is a developing story, check back for more details.