This article presents a qualitative case study of the pedagogical stances of high school English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers, and the subsequent responses of resistance or conformity by their English Language Learners (ELLs). The participants include three high school ESL teachers and 60 high school ESL students of Mexican origin. Findings indicate that dehumanizing pedagogical stances by ESL teachers promote rigid language boundaries. In response, ESL students perceive the boundaries and articulate apprehension over the inevitable loss of their linguistic and cultural identities and they wage "huelgas" (strikes) of resistance. Findings also indicate that humanizing pedagogy promotes "huelgas" that foster cultural knowledge and pride.