Clovis Unified sees minimal absences during student protest

District data shows no significant increase in unexcused absences on day of ICE enforcement protest

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:49pm

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Clovis Unified School District did not see a major spike in student absences on February 10th, the day of a student walkout protesting federal immigration enforcement actions. The district recorded 642 unexcused absences that day, compared to 707 on a regular school day after a long weekend. While the walkout marked the first large-scale student protest in Clovis Unified in recent years, the district said very few students followed the proper procedures to check out of school that day.

Why it matters

Student activism and walkouts are relatively rare in the high-performing Clovis Unified district, known for its rigorous academic standards. The low absenteeism during the protest suggests the district was able to maintain operations with minimal disruption, though it raises questions about student engagement and the district's response to the demonstration.

The details

Data obtained by The Fresno Bee shows that on February 10th, the day of the student walkout, Clovis Unified recorded 642 unexcused absences, including 211 high school students and 87 intermediate students. This was only slightly higher than the 707 unexcused absences on February 17th, a regular school day. The district does not have data confirming whether the absences on February 10th were specifically due to the protest. Very few students followed the district's required process to check out of school that day, according to a joint statement from Clovis Unified and the Clovis Police Department.

  • The student walkout took place on February 10, 2026.
  • Clovis Unified had 642 unexcused absences on February 10, 2026.
  • Clovis Unified had 707 unexcused absences on February 17, 2026, a regular school day.

The players

Clovis Unified School District

A school district in California known for its rigorous academic standards and low rates of student activism compared to neighboring districts.

Clovis Police Department

The local police department that used surveillance cameras and a mobile camera unit to monitor the student walkout and said it would pursue misdemeanor charges against adults who attended the protest.

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What they’re saying

“I spoke to the officer who has this case and was told that he is almost done with his investigation.”

— Ty Wood, Spokesperson, Clovis Police Department (The Fresno Bee)

“I don't believe we have existing records that pool the number of students who got Saturday school specifically related to not properly checking out of school on the 10th.”

— Kelly Avants, Spokesperson, Clovis Unified School District (The Fresno Bee)

What’s next

As of mid-March, the Clovis Police Department had not recommended charges against any parents or community members who attended the student walkout, but the investigation was still ongoing.

The takeaway

The relatively low absenteeism during the Clovis Unified student protest suggests the district was able to maintain operations with minimal disruption, though it raises questions about student engagement and the district's response to the demonstration in a community not known for large-scale student activism.