Parents react to TUSD’s Friday school closures | Local News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – More than 20 schools in the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) are set to cancel classes on Friday. This move comes as a significant number of staff members opt to use personal leave, aligning with a national protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The planned absences are part of a nationwide pushing for no work, no school and no shopping to protest ICE operations. Parents affected by these cancellations shared a variety of perspectives on the mass staff callouts. 

Wes, a parent from University High School, takes issue with the recent student walkouts and Friday’s cancellations. 

“They can spend this time in a classroom learning about what’s going on, but taking them out of the classroom in a protest or not showing up to work to teach the kids becomes more of a problem in my opinion,” Wes told News 4 Tucson.

Another parent, Moses Thompson from Davis-Romero Magnet School, shared a different viewpoint, supporting the teachers and parents participating in the protest.

“It’s an admirable thing for the teachers and parents that have the privilege to stay home from work and keep their kids home to make a statement about something I feel is deeply, deeply wrong and troubling in this country,” Thompson said.

TUSD has confirmed that food services will remain available at school sites on Friday, and transportation routes will operate as usual. However, the day is expected to be disrupted for many.

“What good is this? What good is going to come of this?” Wes said, questioning the effectiveness of the protest.

Thompson, however, emphasized the importance of free speech. 

“But you know there’s free speech and our teachers have paid time off, and they can use their paid time off how they want,” Thompson said.

Beyond the 21 schools canceling classes, others that remain open will experience changes. Wes shared a message with News 4 Tucson indicating that Dodge Middle Magnet School, where has two children, plans to combine classrooms due to the staff shortages.