Rochester parent questions school response to student walkouts

Parent says demonstrations during school hours cross line between student expression and school endorsement

A Rochester, Michigan parent is raising concerns after students at Rochester High School walked out of class last week in protest of recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions, saying the district’s response blurred the line between student expression and school endorsement.

Michelle, the parent of a high school senior in the Rochester Community Schools district, said the walkout followed a letter from Superintendent Nicholas Russo notifying families that students organized a peaceful demonstration during school hours. The letter stated the event was not school sponsored but emphasized student free expression and safety measures taken by administrators and law enforcement.

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Michelle said while she appreciated the district communicating with parents, she believes the message and handling of the walkout sent mixed signals.

“They say the school didn’t organize it, but the students were allowed to leave class without consequences and were escorted by security,” she said. “Then the letter ends by praising the students. That feels like endorsement.”

The walkout focused on opposition to ICE enforcement actions in Minnesota. Michelle said she supports the right to protest but objects to demonstrations taking place during instructional time without parental consent.

Below is the email from Superintendent Nicholas Russo:

“There were no permission slips. Parents weren’t notified ahead of time,” she said. “School hours should be for learning, not activism.”

Michelle said her daughter attends Rochester Adams High School, where a similar walkout has been discussed. She said her daughter was unaware of the earlier protest and chose not to participate after discussing the issue at home.

Michelle said she believes schools should use current events as teaching opportunities rather than allowing demonstrations that she described as “performative.”

“This could be a chance to teach students about law enforcement, federal versus state authority and how policy works,” she said. “Instead, they’re being encouraged to act without understanding the full picture.”

She also questioned whether walkouts would be treated the same if students supported a different political viewpoint, raising concerns about consistency and fairness.

Michelle emphasized that she does not blame teachers individually, saying many are dedicated and caring, but argued broader systemic issues have shifted schools away from their core academic mission.

“Our job as parents is to raise thoughtful, informed adults,” she said. “Schools should focus on education and critical thinking, not producing activists during class time.”

Michelle encouraged other parents to speak up and engage with school boards, saying respectful discussion backed by facts is essential.

“Local decisions matter,” she said. “Parents shouldn’t be afraid to advocate for their kids.”