Denver Public Schools is on alert as a nationwide call for a one-day shutdown hits on Friday, but as of Thursday morning, the district says schools will stay open. The action, billed as a "National Shutdown" to protest recent federal immigration enforcement, has already led at least one Denver charter school to cancel classes and spurred organizers to plan a 2 p.m. rally at La Alma/Lincoln Park.
DPS spokesperson Scott Pribble said the district is "monitoring the situation" and, as of 10 a.m. Thursday, had no plans to close any campuses. He added that "if a closure is needed, we will provide as much notice to our families." At least one charter, Odyssey School of Denver, has already told parents it will shut its doorson Friday, and the Colorado Education Association has discouraged members from organizing a mass sick-out while backing symbolic gestures such as wearing blue or holding walk-ins at contract time, according to Denverite.
What Organizers Are Calling For
The campaign behind Friday’s protest is urging a nationwide "no work, no school, no shopping" day of action aimed at federal immigration enforcement and at pressuring lawmakers to refuse funding for ICE. The organizers’ website describes the day as a coordinated shutdown designed to squeeze officials in response to recent shootings by federal agents, according to National Shutdown.
Union Leaders Urge Caution
Kevin Vick, president of the Colorado Education Association, has told members that the union "is not calling for a mass action that would close schools" and emphasized that individuals remain "free to act according to their conscience." Instead, Vick is steering educators toward smaller, symbolic moves such as wearing blue, posting on social media, and organizing walk-ins or walk-outs at contract time, per Denverite.
Local Impact And Closures
Beyond the classroom, Denver businesses are already lining up behind the action. At least a dozen restaurants and coffee shops across the metro area say they will close Friday, and organizers have listed a Minnesota solidarity gathering at La Alma-Lincoln Park at 2 p.m., according to Axios Denver. Families are being urged to keep a close eye on messages from schools and employers and to sketch out backup childcare plans in case individual campuses decide at the last minute to follow suit.
What Families Should Know
District officials say they will alert families if any closures become necessary, according to Denver Public Schools. If your workplace or after-school program is joining the shutdown, check in now about contingency plans so Friday does not turn into a scramble.
