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Parent organizer says district response to student walkouts was punitive; board heard one-sided criticism
Summary
A community organizer told the Palmdale board that administrators threatened students who participated in Feb. 6 walkouts, saying the district's response prioritized suppressing dissent over student safety. Board did not take action; no denial or formal district rebuttal was recorded during the public comment period.
A community campaign coordinator criticized the Palmdale School District's handling of student-organized walkouts on Feb. 6, saying the district's response was punitive rather than protective.
Raquel Derfler, who identified herself as campaign coordinator for "Cancel the Contract," told the board that students at multiple campuses organized peaceful walkouts to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the area. Derfler said district representatives admonished students and that some administrators threatened truancy notices and removal from extracurricular activities for students who walked out.
"It was never about student safety," Derfler said. "The district's response was about crushing any appearance of dissent or free thought on the part of these students." She urged families whose children received disciplinary consequences to contact the campaign for assistance.
The board did not respond to the allegations during the public comment period; no district official offered a direct denial on the record in that segment of the meeting. Other trustees later lauded student performances and community engagement but did not address the specific allegations in Derfler's remarks.
Why it matters: The claim alleges disciplinary actions that raise questions about student free-speech rights and district disciplinary practices. Public comment does not constitute a formal hearing; the board may decide whether to investigate or respond in a later forum.
What the transcript shows: Derfler said students from David G. Millen, Shadow Hills Magnet Academy and Cactus Magnet Academy reported admonishments or threats of truancy. She accused principals of threatening loss of sports participation and ASB privileges for students who walked out.
Board response: No immediate action or denial was recorded during the public comment; trustees continued with the agenda after public comment closed.
Ending: The public commenter invited affected students and families to reach out for help; the meeting record does not show a follow-up investigation or response during the same meeting.
