VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – Kempsville High School’s principal is responding to reports of a student walkout planned for Feb. 20, 2026. The protest is intended to address concerns related to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and national immigration policies.
The Virginia Beach school is the latest in Hampton Roads to address a planned protest on this date.
Kempsville High School
On Feb. 12, Kempsville High School Principal Tamika Singletary-Johnson informed families that the school would take steps to maintain a safe and orderly environment during the demonstration. “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of all students and staff,” Singletary-Johnson said. She noted that instruction will continue throughout the school day for students who remain in class.
School administrators became aware of the planned demonstration through social media discussions circulating both locally and nationally. While districts acknowledge constitutional rights to freedom of speech, they have outlined specific safety protocols and disciplinary consequences for students who leave campus during school hours…