Houston ISD Reports 23% Absences on “A Day Without Immigrants”

About 23% of Houston Independent School District (HISD) students were absent on February 3, marking the highest absentee rate in the district’s recent history. This spike occurred as part of a nationwide protest known as “A Day Without Immigrants.”

Understanding the Protest

The demonstration was a direct response to President Donald Trump’s aggressive stance on immigration. On February 3, many Latino-owned businesses shut down their operations, inviting Latino parents to keep their children at home. This decision preceded the thousands who rallied the previous day in West Houston to voice their opposition to the current administration’s immigration policies.

The Scale of Absences

According to data obtained from HISD through an open records request, nearly 40,500 students were absent on February 3. This represents almost a quarter of the district’s student body, which stands at approximately 176,000. Typically, HISD’s average absences hover around 6%, or about 10,000 students per day.

Parental Concerns Driving Attendance Decline

Jessica Campos, an organizer with Community Voices for Public Education and parent of a Lanier Middle School student, shared concerns about the impact of immigration policies on families. Campos stated, “What I’m hearing is the fear, the fear of sending their kids to school and being separated. School is not a priority right now. Families, especially the ones who are undocumented, are scared to send their kids to school because of the fear of deportations.”

Trump’s Executive Orders and Their Consequences

Less than two weeks after Trump’s inauguration for his second term in the White House, he issued executive orders that significantly intensified efforts to deport individuals without legal status in the USA. Most notably, Trump rescinded the policy that previously restricted immigration officers from targeting “sensitive places,” such as schools and religious institutions, a move that amplified fears within immigrant communities.

Demographics of Houston ISD Students

HISD’s student demographics reflect the city’s diverse population. According to US News World & Report, around 62% of HISD students identify as Latino. This statistic underscores why the immigrant community’s concerns resonate deeply within the district.

Advocates Call for Safe Learning Environments

Campos emphasized the importance of creating an environment where students feel secure: “Everyone has the right to an education, an equitable education, and a school where their children feel safe. And they don’t feel safe right now.”

Additional Protests and Their Impact

Two days after the “A Day Without Immigrants,” February 5 saw another organized protest. Community Voices for Public Education arranged a district-wide sick-out to voice dissatisfaction with HISD’s state-appointed board of managers and Superintendent Mike Miles, who has been implementing various instructional reforms and staffing changes since his appointment by the Texas Education Agency in June 2023. On that day, the absentee rate increased to 8.7%, equating to over 15,300 students.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The high absenteeism rates in Houston ISD on February 3 highlight the profound impact of immigration policies on immigrant families and underscore the importance of addressing these concerns to create a more inclusive and secure educational environment. As the debate over immigration continues, the community must come together to support students and their families.

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