Colorado Classrooms Go Dark — Schools Cancel Classes Due To Teachers’ Anti-Trump Protests: ‘Ridiculous’

In Colorado, a regular school day turned unexpectedly political after rumors began swirling that educators planned to skip work to attend anti-Donald Trump and anti-ICE protests. The chatter alone was enough to prompt multiple districts across the state to shut down campuses, leaving parents scrambling and reigniting a broader conversation about activism, boundaries, and who pays the price when politics collide with public education.

The closures landed on Friday, January 30, a date tied to “National Shutdown Day,” a loosely organized movement urging Americans to avoid work, school, and spending money as a form of protest against federal immigration policy. In Colorado, the anticipation of widespread staff absences proved disruptive enough that at least two school districts decided it was safer to cancel classes altogether rather than risk being critically understaffed, per Inquisitr.

Aurora Public Schools and Adams County School District 14 both confirmed they would close all campuses to students for the day. In a message to families, Aurora officials explained that staffing shortages made it impossible to hold classes and announced that February 6, previously scheduled as a professional release day, would now be used as a makeup day. While officials did not confirm how many teachers intended to protest, the expectation of absences alone was enough to force their hand.

Colorado Schools Cancel Classes Due To Anti-Trump Protests

The situation highlights just how fragile staffing already is in many districts. It also raises uncomfortable questions: should schools shut down based on rumors alone, and where does personal political expression end when it directly impacts students and families?

Colorado Education Association president Kevin Vick attempted to strike a careful balance. In a message to members, he acknowledged educators’ passion and conviction while emphasizing that the organization was not calling for mass action that would close schools.

“One theme in many of the responses we received was that now more than ever, we need to be there for our students,” Vick said. Still, he noted that individual members remain free to act according to their conscience. Vick also encouraged symbolic gestures like wearing blue or posting on social media instead of walking out.

The concern around educator activism hasn’t come out of nowhere. Across the country, recent high-profile incidents involving politically charged social media posts by educators and librarians have intensified scrutiny. From a West Virginia librarian arrested over alleged threats to accusations involving controversial online posts by school employees in Illinois, school systems are increasingly wary of becoming the next viral headline.

Teachers Are Taking A Stand

Back in Colorado, the ripple effects spread beyond Aurora and Adams County. The Odyssey School of Denver announced a full closure, while some Denver Public Schools reported staff shortages and two-hour delays. Boulder Valley School District revealed that nearly 25 percent of its teachers had submitted leave requests for the day, though the district opted to remain open, excusing student absences and keeping meal programs intact.

Of course, like everything else, the internet was divided. “This is ridiculous,” one person wrote via X. “Such a disgrace! they should all be fired!” said another. “Good for the teachers,” a third person wrote. “Solidarity!” a fourth comment read.

As Colorado families process yet another unexpected disruption, the episode underscores a growing tension in American life: when national politics spill into local institutions, the fallout often lands on students first. Whether this moment becomes a one-day anomaly or a sign of deeper instability remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that even rumors can be powerful enough to shut down classrooms.