SALINE, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – There are reports across the state of students at public schools walking out while class is in session this week in protest over the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Friday marked the day for nationwide protests across the U.S. in public schools.

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Student protests were held in Traverse City and Superintendent John VanWagoner said students who miss class while protesting may be marked as having an “unverified absence” or being tardy.

“We recognize that students may wish to exercise their First Amendment rights to express views on significant current events. At the same time, our priority remains teaching and learning for all students,” VanWagoner said in a statement. “The safety and security of our students is our highest priority. If a walkout occurs, classes will proceed as regularly scheduled, and school attendance policies will remain in effect. Students who leave class or miss instructional time may receive unverified absences or tardies. All students in school buildings are expected to be in class, as instruction will continue as scheduled.”

Mackinac Center for Public Policy writer Dave Bondy published on X a statement from Rochester Community Schools about the protests.

The memo stated the protest was not a school-sponsored event

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a memo on the rules for protesting in 2025.

“School property is not off-limits for expressive activity by students, teachers, or members of the public,” the memo stated. “Nevertheless, protesting and picketing at educational institutions may be constitutionally regulated where they infringe on the rights of others, such as by materially disrupting classwork or creating substantial disorder.”

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A flier circulated on a Saline social media account stating the public school district’s students had planned a protest over U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) at 11 a.m. Thursday.

The Saline school district didn’t respond to emails seeking to confirm if the protests were being held.

Students at Waverly High School staged a walkout last week. That school district borders the city of Lansing.