Students stage protest over principal's transfer

HOUSTON The students walked out to stage a protest at the front of the school, some carrying signs and wearing t-shirts that read 'Walk Out for Walker.' Wheatley's principal, Sandra Walker, recently transferred to another Houston ISD school, assuming the same position she held at Wheatley. HISD officials won't comment on the transfer, citing personnel privacy issues.

About 75 students initially joined the protest, but a couple dozen returned to class after learning they would face disciplinary action. The 40 to 50 students remaining will be given an unexcused absence and face disciplinary action.

A short statement was issued by HISD:

"The Wheatley High School staff member has been reassigned to a similar position within the district. Any high school student who chooses to walk off campus and disregard district policy is subject to disciplinary action and will receive an unexcused absence for that day."
--Aaron Spence/HISD Chief High Schools Officer