The Walkout
“The Walkout” is a new documentary that brings to light a pivotal but often overlooked moment in Texas history: the 1968 student walkout at Edgewood High School in San Antonio’s Westside.
Fed up with underfunded classrooms, uncertified teachers, and crumbling facilities, a group of young Mexican American students and their families organized a bold protest that would become a catalyst for statewide education reform.
Told through the voices of the original students, community leaders, and historians, The Walkout weaves together personal testimony, historical footage, and present-day reflections to honor the legacy of resistance born in
San Antonio’s Westside.
Why Your Education Depends on Your Neighborhood Reflection Guide encourages you to explore a pivotal moment in San Antonio’s history—and consider how it continues to shape your community today.
THE WALKOUT TIMELINE
Around 400 students from Edgewood High School in San Antonio, Texas, walked out to protest educational inequities.
Parents sued SAISD arguing that poverty was a protected class by the 14th amendment and the way schools were funded discriminated against poor students.
After a lower court ruled in favor of Rodriguez and the parents, the case then moved to the Supreme Court.
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court reversed the lower court’s ruling. The Court stated that while the Texas school funding system was unfair, it was not unconstitutional and did not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th amendment. This judgment led to the legal precedent that education is not a fundamental.
Walkout Activities
Download interactive games and coloring pages inspired by the documentary—play Edgewood Lotería or Bingo, and keep the experience going with themed coloring activities for all ages.
Find this topic interesting? Share it with neighbors.
Knowing your neighbor starts with conversation. A Shared Table is a facilitated conversation that invites people to explore a topic affecting San Antonio by listening to the stories and perspectives of their neighbors with different lived experiences.