On Feb. 1, more than 100 students walked out of their classes to protest President Donald Trump just off campus.

This elicited strong reactions across the campus with some believing it was just an excuse to skip class while others said it was important chance for students to voice their opinion. Still others said they agreed with speaking out, but said it shouldn’t have happened during the school day.

We as the editorial board believe that exercising your freedom of speech is a good thing. However, there are better ways to protest than walking out of the classroom.

We commend the fact that students took initiative to express their beliefs. We also commend the administration for fostering an environment in which students felt safe enough to voice their opinions at their school. Akins is a special school, most administrations would have shut something like this down very quickly. But, after students made their stance, instead of stopping them, the administration kept them safe and managed the protest.

Principal Brandi Hosack said, “You sent a message yesterday by doing that, but that can’t be your go-to method.” Hosack went on to insist that there are better ways to protest. “You must find alternative ways to get your message across. Find a way for your government representatives to hear your voice, write them a letter, tweet at them, show up at the Capitol with your fellow protesters, if that’s what you choose to do.”

Despite the fact that the protest was peaceful and well managed, it did not belong at the school. First off, a protest focused about politics has no relevancy at the front of a school. Secondly, because the protest was a walk out, it wasn’t clear why people were there. There wasn’t a clear message and it didn’t have the visibility needed to make it effective.

While students protested that day, some people seemed to have forgotten that they were representing not only just themselves, but their school as well. While the protest was not violent, students chanted vulgarities that are never helpful to have policy makers take them seriously. It demeaned their point and just showed that they weren’t mature enough to express what they felt.

Just because it’s an available option, that doesn’t mean it’s the best one. Students should take it upon themselves to use their voice, and not ruin the reputation of their school.

Protests should not impede on student’s daily education. It is important that students are aware that their education is just as important when they are protesting their beliefs. Skipping school to march around the school does show your commitment to the cause, but it doesn’t show your commitment to your education. You do not have to take this lying down, you don’t have to be silent. But don’t ruin your argument by ignoring your education.