With chants of “transparency now,” “free jefe” and “bring back Bautista” filling the air and dozens of signs raised high, students walked out of Mendez High School on Tuesday to protest the lack of answers from LAUSD on the monthlong absence of Principal Mauro Bautista.
About 200 students participated in the protests, gathering for a sit-in before walking off campus.
“Bautista has served in our community as a leader for all. Under his guidance, Mendez High School has been able to prosper in all areas,” said a student with a megaphone in hand during the protest. “He has advocated for the mental health of everyone on campus, ensuring each and every single one of us has a safe space at school and someone to talk to when we’re going through any form of hardship.”
Bautista was the first assistant principal at the school when it opened in 2009, eventually becoming its principal in 2011. Late last year, a team of our youth reporters sat together with the principal to discuss his work at the school.
Our reporter Andrew Lopez was on the scene to document the protest, which resulted in the local high school going on lockdown.
Students on campus led chants for protesters outside the school gates. Photo by Andrew Lopez. 
Approximately 200 students crowded the sidewalk in front of their school. Photo by Andrew Lopez. 
Mendez students give testimony about their relationship to the school’s longtime principal. Photo by Andrew Lopez. 
Students hold signs high demanding for more transparency from their district. Photo by Andrew Lopez. 
Mendez students walk down 1st Street on Tuesday morning demanding reinstatement of their principal. Photo by Andrew Lopez. 
Students chanted “Free Jefe” as they walked around the Eastside school. Photo by Andrew Lopez. 
Mendez students bang a drum in support of the protesters outside. Photo by Andrew Lopez. 
Students applaud classmates during the sit-in on campus. Photo by Andrew Lopez.
