Walkout

A determined student who challenges unequal treatment in East LA schools and emerges as a leader among the walkouts. She organizes surveys and pushes for concrete changes despite opposition from authorities and her father. Her courage drives the movement and she bears personal costs for speaking up for her peers.

A Chicano teacher who inspires Paula and guides the student activists. He remains a steady mentor, challenging the system while navigating institutional pressures. His involvement anchors the movement in a classroom-to-community continuum.

A member of the student group who shares in the movement and supports the organizing effort. He contributes to the surveys and helps sustain momentum among his peers. He embodies the collaboration and risk-taking of the student activists.

A fellow student and ally within the movement who participates in organizing efforts. She represents the broader involvement of peers and family networks in supporting the cause. Her participation helps widen the movement’s reach.

Another student in the group who contributes to the walkout planning and survey distribution. He helps maintain group cohesion and executes tasks essential to the protest strategy.

A school administrator who embodies resistance to the proposed reforms. His stance highlights the friction between authorities and students seeking change.

The school principal who warns of expulsion and upholds the administrative framework. He represents the top-down control that the students challenge.

An undercover LAPD officer who informs the police about the group’s plans, complicating the students’ efforts. His involvement adds a layer of tension and betrayal to the movement.

A real-life civic figure who appears in the film and interacts with the education community during the movement. He represents the broader context of community leadership within the school system.

Paula’s mother, who navigates the tension between family concerns and the students’ activism. She embodies familial support and worry in a time of upheaval.

A student involved in the movement, contributing to the collective effort with peers as part of the walkout coalition.

A clown figure featured in protests, serving as a symbolic presence within the demonstrations and media portrayals.