Friday’s walkout occurred amid a wider set of actions across Whatcom County and the region. Dozens of area businesses closed. (PNW Daily)
FERNDALE, Wash. — Students at Ferndale High School walked out of classes Friday morning and marched toward downtown Ferndale, joining a wave of student and community actions tied to a nationwide boycott and general strike centered on immigration enforcement, due process, and human rights concerns.
The walkout appeared loosely organized through student group chats and social media. Several students told peers they intended to participate during “Eagle Time,” a scheduled non-instructional period, rather than during core classes. Teachers and faculty were aware of the planned walkouts, according to posts shared online by staff and students.
The demonstration was mostly peaceful early on aside from a few thrown eggs, but later angry adults added some spice to the protest. Students carried signs and walked together through the city before dispersing.
Walkout aligns with broader regional actions
Friday’s walkout occurred amid a wider set of actions across Whatcom County and the region. Dozens of Bellingham-area businesses closed, altered operations, or donated proceeds in solidarity with a nationwide boycott connected to protests in Minnesota and opposition to Trump Administration immigration policies.
Several Western Washington University students and high school students across the county had also circulated plans for walkouts Friday morning, according to social media posts reviewed by PNW Daily.
While Ferndale students did not publicly announce a formal set of demands, participants described the walkout as an act of solidarity with immigrant communities and with protesters nationwide.
Business closures and civic actions mark a deliberate pause
The student walkout coincided with one of the largest single-day protest-related business closures in Bellingham in recent years.
Businesses including Mallards, Bantam, Red Star, Roe, The Cabin, Bloomhaven, Brazen, Cafe Blue, Comics Place, Good Earth Pottery, Hammerhead Coffee, The Little Cheerful, MW Soapworks, Ragfinery, Ritual Records, Sweet As Waffles, Third Planet, Old World Deli, Worn Again, Otherlands, Champlin Guitars and Spincycle Yarns confirmed full-day closures tied to the strike.
Other businesses remained open while donating proceeds or hosting advocacy actions. Village Books and Paper Dreams stayed open while donating a portion of sales to local immigrant support organizations and hosting voter registration and civic engagement efforts.
Participation varied by business, and organizers emphasized there was no centralized list, with decisions made independently based on staffing, mission, and community role.
Youth activism reflects national pattern
Student walkouts have increasingly accompanied national protest movements, particularly in response to immigration policy, gun violence, racial justice, and climate concerns. Organizers often emphasize visibility and solidarity rather than formal demands, especially when actions are student-led and decentralized.
In Whatcom County, recent student demonstrations have mirrored this pattern, with walkouts coordinated informally and tied to broader community actions rather than school-specific grievances.
PNW Daily will continue to monitor additional demonstrations.
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