The photo of Olentangy High School counselor Selena McKnight holding a sign saying "You can't love God and ICE" circulated on social media and drew sharp reactions. The image, shared on Feb. 16, was taken during a Feb. 12 student-led, voluntary walkout that the district says was not sanctioned and involved no staff participation. Critics, including a state representative and a prominent X account, condemned the display; the protest took place amid heightened tensions after recent deadly encounters involving ICE agents.
Olentangy Counselor's 'You Can't Love God and ICE' Sign Sparks Backlash, Divides Students
Anti-ICE "rapid responders" use whistles to warn residents as federal immigration agents raid a house on Jan. 13, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn.(Getty Images)
A photograph that circulated on social media shows an Olentangy High School counselor holding a sign that reads, "You can't love God and ICE." The image, shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Feb. 16 by Jack Windsor, editor-in-chief of TheOhioPressNetwork.com, identified the woman as Selena McKnight and placed the scene at Olentangy High School in Lewis Center, Ohio.
The photo appears to have been taken during a Feb. 12 student-led walkout. Olentangy Schools told reporters the event was "student-led, voluntary" and "not organized, sponsored, or sanctioned by the school or district," and that school staff did not participate.
In the image, McKnight stands with students who hold a variety of signs. One placard reads, "Fight ignorance, not immigrants," while others say "Stop the violence" and "Hard 2B persistent when you tryin to fight for your existence." Portions of the counselor's sign also appear to reference Exodus 22:21.
Exodus 22:21: "Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt."
The post and photo prompted mixed reactions. Ohio state Rep. Beth Lear criticized the display, saying it suggested a failure to understand the Bible in schools. The influential X account Libs of TikTok accused the counselor of using taxpayer-funded time to "indoctrinate students to protest against ICE." Windsor reported the walkout divided students and left some feeling uncomfortable.
The demonstration comes amid heightened tensions over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after recent deadly encounters involving federal agents. Authorities say Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed on Jan. 7 by an ICE agent after an alleged vehicle encounter; Alex Pretti was shot and killed on Jan. 24. In January, ICE reported significant increases in incidents involving threats and attacks on officers.
Olentangy Schools reiterated that the district seeks to comply with laws and board policies that require staff neutrality on political issues and that employees are prohibited from engaging in political activity during work-related hours. Fox News Digital reported reaching out to McKnight for comment.
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