Students at Wiesbaden High School in Germany hold up a banner at a demonstration March 6, 2025. DODEA administrators in Europe and Asia are issuing letters to parents warning that students who participate in walkouts during school time will be given unexcused absences. (Courtesy photo)
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — Defense Department schools overseas are warning of consequences for student-led walkouts planned for Thursday, a move that represents a shift in stance on demonstrations over the removal of programs designed to foster inclusivity.
Participating students will receive an unexcused absence for missing classes, seminars or advisory periods, principals at Department of Defense Education Activity schools in Europe and Asia said in identically worded letters to parents this week.
“While students have a right to freedom of expression, that right must be exercised in a way that is ‘balanced with the responsibility of DODEA schools to maintain an environment conducive to learning and free from disruption,’ ” the letters said.
Unexcused absences may result in detentions or suspensions, and prevent student-athletes and others from participating in extracurricular activities, among other consequences.
Agency officials did not respond Tuesday and Wednesday to questions about the new guidance, including whether it’s being directed by DODEA or higher up at the Pentagon.
The planned walkouts follow similar actions a month ago and are in response to DODEA policies instituted in accordance with executive orders, including one titled “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also has criticized DEI efforts as divisive.
At least 14 schools had planned to participate in demonstrations Thursday, according to student organizers. It’s unclear how many students will proceed.
Students hold up a banner at Ramstein High School in Germany as they walk around the track March 6, 2025, to support school programs deemed to fall under diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. DODEA administrators in Europe and Asia are issuing letters to parents warning that students who participate in walkouts during school time will be given unexcused absences. (Courtesy photo)
“We have seen the emails and have even received one from our (principal),” said Tristan, 18, a Ramstein High School student in Germany, in reference to the DODEA message on walkouts.
On March 6, an estimated 240 Ramstein students demonstrated against measures that have removed books and curriculum from libraries and classrooms, while school officials review their compliance with White House and Pentagon orders. Three of DODEA’s largest schools in Europe and Asia held similar walkouts.
Tristan added that many students “are highly upset and frustrated by this update, especially because the last time we protested, we were allowed 30 minutes of instructional time to protest.”
No unexcused absences were issued after the demonstration, he said.
Last month, DODEA administrators had a much different response to student-coordinated walkouts.
In a letter March 10 to DODEA families in Europe, Michelle Howard-Brahaney, director for student excellence, said “DODEA respects the rights of our students to engage in the peaceful expression of their free speech rights.”
Most of the latest letters from principals were emailed to parents and sponsors on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, DODEA officials said an unexcused absence would subject students “to the progression of disciplinary measures in our attendance policy.”
The discourse from parents in military social media groups was as sharply divided as it is among many other Americans.
One private group related to schools on base included several comments critical of DODEA’s latest stance and backed student rights to speak out about their education.
Others on a Facebook page for the Aviano military community in Italy expressed support for a stricter handling of the walkouts.
“I was relieved to hear that the principal is not condoning it per se,” said one commenter, “but it should be strictly forbidden. Period. The (defense secretary) had made it clear, no more of this social nonsense, back to learning.”
