Colorado School Districts Cancel Classes Amid ICE Protest Absences

Aurora Public Schools and Adams 14 cite high staff absences for Friday closures.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two school districts in the Denver, Colorado area - Aurora Public Schools and Commerce City-based Adams 14 - canceled all classes on Friday due to an anticipated high number of staff absences amid nationwide 'ICE Out' protests following recent deaths in Minneapolis. Other districts in the region are operating with limited capacity or delayed starts.

Why it matters

The school closures highlight the impact of political activism and protests on critical public services like education. The decision by the districts reflects the challenges of maintaining normal operations when a significant portion of staff are absent, raising questions about how school systems can balance supporting employee rights with ensuring students receive instruction.

The details

Aurora Public Schools and Adams 14 both announced the class cancellations on social media, citing the expected staff absences for the nationwide 'ICE Out' protests. Other districts in the Denver area, including Denver Public Schools and Boulder Valley School District, are operating with limited capacity or delayed starts on Friday due to similar staffing issues.

  • Classes were canceled on Friday, January 30, 2026.
  • The 'ICE Out' protests took place on the same day as the school closures.

The players

Aurora Public Schools

A school district serving the city of Aurora, Colorado, a suburb of Denver.

Adams 14

A school district serving the city of Commerce City, Colorado, also part of the Denver metropolitan area.

Karla Loría

The superintendent of the Adams 14 school district.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There will be no classes for students tomorrow, Jan. 30 at all APS schools and Pickens Technical College due to a higher than anticipated number of staff absences that continue to grow across the district.”

— Aurora Public Schools (Facebook)

“We recognize the impact this may have and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this will cause many of our families. We greatly appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate this situation.”

— Aurora Public Schools (Facebook)

“We expected a high number of student and staff absences on Friday. Friday will be a 'teacher and staff work day' with no students in class.”

— Karla Loría, Superintendent, Adams 14 (Social media)

What’s next

Schools in the affected districts are expected to resume regular schedules on Monday, February 2nd.

The takeaway

The school closures underscore the challenges districts face in balancing employee rights with maintaining educational continuity, especially when political activism intersects with critical public services like education.