SamoHi Students Protest at City Hall On Thursday, Saying "America Was Never Great."

Shouting that "America has never been great," a group of santa monica high school students protested against Donald Trump, Elon Musk, the end of Diversity Equity and Inclusion policies, the deportation of illegal migrants, and other issues on 2.6.25. The event drew about 250 Participants carrying Mexican flags and signs that said "Trans Rights are Human Rights," "Elect a clown, expect a circus," and "No one is illegal on stolen land."

santa monica high school students protested at Santa Monica City Hall on Friday, February 6, 2025, primarily in response to the policies and actions of the Trump administration. Here are the main reasons based on available information:

Immigration Policies: Students protested against what they perceived as "reactionary far-right policies" on immigration by the Trump administration. This involved expressing solidarity with immigrants and opposing potential changes to immigration enforcement, particularly the possible rescinding of the "sensitive locations" policy which prevents immigration enforcement actions in or around schools.

Trans Right are Human Rights, reads one sign at Santa Monica High School protest, February 6, 2025.

If a Felon Can't Vote, Why Can One Be president, reads one sign at Santa Monica High School protest, February 6, 2025.

LGBTQ+ Rights: There was significant concern over executive actions targeting the LGBTQ+ community. The students were demonstrating for the protection and rights of this community, feeling threatened by the administration's stance.

Education and Diversity: The students were also concerned about the potential freeze of federal funding towards school campuses that teach diversity studies. This move was seen as an attack on educational inclusivity.

General Opposition to Trump's Administration: The protests were part of a broader wave of student activism across Southern California and the U.S. against various aspects of the Trump administration's policies, which were perceived as divisive and harmful to certain groups.

America was Never Great, reads one sign at Santa Monica High School protest, February 6, 2025.

Blue Haired student in front of Santa Monica City Hall

The walkout involved not only santa monica high school students but also students from other local schools, showing a collective response to these issues. They marched to City Hall to deliver a list of demands, including local resolutions to defend students' rights, particularly those of the LGBTQ+ community and immigrants. The protest was organized with an emphasis on peacefulness and safety, although there were mentions of potential counter-protesters.

This information is drawn from various news sources and posts on X, which reported on the event, highlighting the students' motivations and the broader context of their actions.