In a bold move that has sparked significant discussion, a school district in the Denver area has informed its students that they will not be allowed to leave their classes to join the planned ICE Out demonstrations. As students throughout metro Denver prepared for a walkout on Friday to voice their concerns over the immigration enforcement strategies of the Trump administration, Mapleton Public Schools took a firm stance against participation in these protests.
This district, which serves over 7,000 students in Brighton and parts of Adams County, sent a letter to families on Thursday, just ahead of the scheduled walkouts, clearly stating that students “are not permitted to leave campus or participate in demonstrations during school hours.” This directive underscores the district's commitment to keeping students in class, even as emotions around current events run high.
Mapleton’s Superintendent, Mike Crawford, acknowledged the strong feelings that current events can evoke and expressed an understanding of students’ desires to express their opinions. He stated, "We respect students' wishes to voice their concerns about issues that matter to them. Our goal is to provide safe environments where these views can be shared."
However, he emphasized the importance of remaining in the classroom, stating, "We encourage families to discuss safe and appropriate methods for students to engage with their communities without disrupting their education."
Mapleton spokeswoman Melissa Johnson confirmed that certain high school students were planning to walk out on Friday to protest federal immigration enforcement. She remarked, "We are aware of the situation and are monitoring it closely. We want to be prepared for any developments."
It's important to note that while students who participate in the protests will be marked absent, the district clarified that they would not face disciplinary actions like suspensions or expulsions. Johnson added, "The core issue isn't necessarily the act of protesting; it's about ensuring students are present in the classroom when they need to be. If they step outside to protest, they’re absent from their educational responsibilities."
On the other hand, attorney David Lane highlighted a critical point regarding students' rights: schools may not legally prevent students from protesting, as such actions could infringe upon their First Amendment rights. He remarked, "To tell students they cannot participate could be seen as a violation of their constitutional freedoms."
Students across Colorado are joining a broader movement known as ICE Out, which is part of a nationwide initiative against the government's immigration policies. This movement has prompted educators and staff to participate in a general strike, leading to class cancellations or delays in districts such as Denver Public Schools, Aurora Public Schools, and Boulder Valley School District.
In fact, Denver Public Schools, the largest district in the state, anticipated that students from multiple high schools, including East High and Northfield High, would join the protests at the Colorado State Capitol. Reports indicated that around 75 students gathered for a protest at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College, as confirmed by DPS spokesman Scott Pribble, who affirmed, "We always support their right to free speech, provided it’s expressed peacefully and respectfully."
Additionally, at Brighton High School, between 150 and 200 students participated in a walkout, with about 90 marching to city hall, as reported by Janelle Asmus, spokeswoman for 27J Schools. She noted that the students, accompanied by staff, returned to campus following the demonstration and resumed their classes, although those who participated were marked absent.
Asmus expressed pride in how different groups came together for impactful results, adding, "They’ve returned to their classes, focusing on their studies and being responsible students."
This situation raises important questions about the balance between student rights and educational responsibilities. Do you think schools should allow students to participate in protests during school hours? Or do you believe that maintaining classroom attendance is more crucial? Share your thoughts in the comments!
