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…