South Los Angeles high school teacher Ricardo Lopez was terminated for insubordination after opening a gate to prevent students from injuring themselves during anti-ICE walkouts. Students were attempting to jump a fence to join protests, but Lopez, concerned about safety after seeing similar incidents the day prior, opened the gate instead. He was marched off campus within an hour, leaving behind student artwork and projects.

The charter school Synergy Quantum Academy, co-located on LAUSD property, stated it follows district access policies and prioritizes safety, though it offered no explanation for Lopez's specific termination rather than a warning. Parents and community groups, including Unión del Barrio and the Association of Raza Educators, are protesting the firing, holding rallies and collecting over 900 signatures on a petition demanding his reinstatement. Lopez faces potential difficulties renewing his teaching license due to the 'insubordination' charge, which he maintains was a safety measure.