Editor’s note:

The walkout post was edited yesterday after a request from the school administration and later taken down. Upon review by the student editorial board, Bear Witness decided to reupload the post, editing a portion of the post for sensitivity. 

Bear Witness stands behind our reporting. As a student newspaper, our job is to report objectively on events in our community. In accordance with the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics, we seek to give voice to the voiceless and ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair and thorough.

Branham students walked out of class at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday in support of Jewish students after a photo of a human swastika at school spread internationally.

The walkout lasted 30 minutes. At first, students stood around in the quad, watching two students do pushups and dance. Then, English teacher Kerry Murphy helped organize students into a human peace sign. 

Afterwards, students remained in a circle. Sophomore Parker Higley led others to chant, “We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. No hate.” The same two students resumed dancing and fighting in the middle until an administrator took them to the office. Minutes later, most students in the quad returned to fifth period. 

“It felt like everyone wanted to be there in support but didn’t know how to find a voice to lend that support,” Murphy said.

Murphy is glad that students want to express their voices and reinforce the message about antisemitism from the slideshow teachers went through on Monday. 

“There’s no place for hate at Branham, and we all need to come together to reinforce that message and be supportive of those who might not feel safe at the moment,” Murphy said.

Information about the walkout first circulated on Instagram after @branhamcringetiktoks posted about it to “support our Jewish students and communities.” 

“While there were small parts of solidarity, overall it was unproductive,” Nolan said. “I don’t think people understand that we’re there for a reason. [Hate violence] occurred on our campus, and multiple groups have been affected. The Holocaust is not just a Jewish problem. The Holocaust is a racist problem.”

Nolan experienced hate speech at the walkout. 

“I’m pretty sure this [walkout] brought more antisemitism than it did solidarity,” Nolan said.

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