Denver Students Protest ICE Policies, School District Bans Walkouts

Mapleton Public Schools prohibits student walkouts, sparking First Amendment debate

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, fragmented painting depicting a group of students marching in a dynamic, overlapping pattern of geometric shapes and bold colors, conveying the energy and momentum of the protest movement.The vibrant, student-led protest against immigration policies injects a sense of urgency and civic engagement into the Denver community.Denver Today

Students across Denver are planning to walk out of class on Friday to protest the Trump administration's immigration policies, but Mapleton Public Schools has banned student walkouts, leading to a debate over freedom of expression and student rights.

Why it matters

This issue highlights the ongoing tension between students' First Amendment rights to free speech and expression, and schools' desire to maintain order and ensure students are in class. The Mapleton district's stance has drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates who argue the policy infringes on students' fundamental freedoms.

The details

Mapleton Public Schools, serving over 7,000 students, has told students they are 'not permitted' to participate in demonstrations during school hours. Superintendent Mike Crawford says the district strives to create safe spaces for student voices, but the official policy is to keep students in class and encourage families to find 'safe and appropriate' ways for students to get involved. However, attorney David Lane argues the district's policy could violate students' First Amendment rights.

  • On Friday, about 75 students protested at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College.
  • Between 150 and 200 students walked out of Brighton High School, with around 90 marching to city hall.
  • Students, accompanied by staff, returned to class after the protest, with their absence marked for the missed classes.

The players

Mike Crawford

Superintendent of Mapleton Public Schools, which serves over 7,000 students.

Melissa Johnson

Spokeswoman for Mapleton Public Schools.

David Lane

Attorney who challenges Mapleton's policy, arguing it infringes on students' First Amendment rights.

Janelle Asmus

Spokeswoman for 27J Schools, who expressed pride in how students and staff came together for a successful protest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must create safe spaces for student voices.”

— Mike Crawford, Superintendent, Mapleton Public Schools

“Schools cannot prevent students from protesting as it infringes on their First Amendment rights.”

— David Lane, Attorney

“We're proud of how these groups came together for a successful protest, ensuring students returned to their academic duties.”

— Janelle Asmus, Spokeswoman, 27J Schools

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the student walkouts to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over student rights and the balance between freedom of expression and maintaining order in schools. It raises important questions about how districts can create safe spaces for student activism while also ensuring academic continuity.