Students at Springfield schools organize peaceful lunchtime protest, showcase programs at speak-out

At the Springfield School Committee's student speak-out on Feb. 12, students from multiple high schools described activism and school programs, including a centrally organized lunchtime art protest they said is intended to be peaceful and non-disruptive.

Manisha Abdi, a senior at Springfield Central High School, told the committee the Black Student Union and student government coordinated the action "against the illegal deportation of classmates, friends, and family" and emphasized the intent to avoid classroom disruptions. "The poster isn't being used as petition, but rather an organized work of art," she said.

Why it matters: the speak-out put student political expression and safety in front of the school committee at a public meeting, while other student presenters used the platform to highlight school events, leadership projects and college- and career-readiness work.

Other students described a range of school activities. Tony Martins, the district's new student representative from Springfield Virtual School, said seniors have been completing FAFSA and college applications and shared that several seniors had accepted college offers. At Putnam Vocational Technical Academy, a student reported permanent shops for freshmen and spring athletics updates. Students at the Conservatory of the Arts and Renaissance High School described Black History Month programming and a student-led proposal to create a director of sustainability position after multi-year sustainability curriculum and composting work.

The student council at one school reported prom planning for May 1, 2026, funded in part by a donorschoose donation that covered requested items. The Transition Academy students described workplace experiences and job coaching with local employers, including Goodwill Industries.

The chair thanked the student presenters and paused for a brief recess before the committee began its regular agenda.

Next steps: the student-initiated protest as described will occur during school hours in shared spaces, according to the student speaker; the committee did not take formal action on the protest during the meeting.