The East Los Angeles Walkouts of 1968 were a series of protests by Mexican American students against unequal conditions in the Los Angeles public school system. Inspired by community organizer Sal Castro, students from five East LA high schools walked out of their classes to demand improvements. Over the next few days, walkouts spread to 15 other schools. While initially tolerated, police cracked down on demonstrations, arresting Castro and 25 others. Though charges were later dropped, the walkouts highlighted ongoing issues of discrimination and inequality facing Mexican Americans.