Nearly a quarter of Houston ISD students were absent on nationwide ‘Day Without Immigrants’ – Houston Public Media

Houston ISD Sees Spike in Student Absences Amidst Immigration Concerns

Student absenteeism reached unprecedented levels in Houston Self-reliant School District (HISD) on Febuary 3rd, coinciding with a nationwide “A Day Without Immigrants” protest. This day of action was a response to President Trump‘s stringent immigration policies enacted following his re-election in November 2024.

Attendance records, obtained through an open records request, revealed that nearly 40,500 HISD students – a staggering 23% of the district’s 176,000-strong student body – were absent on that day. This marked a sharp departure from the average daily absenteeism rate of 6%, or around 10,000 students.

The significant absence rate occurred amidst widespread national concerns about the Trump administration’s immigration policies, particularly its intensified efforts to deport undocumented immigrants.Shortly after his inauguration on January 20th, President Trump issued a series of executive orders aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement, including the reversal of a previous policy that limited immigration officer presence in “sensitive places” such as schools and churches.

“Families, especially the ones who are undocumented, are scared to send their kids to school because of the fear of deportations,” shared Jessica Campos, a parent and organizer with Community Voices for Public Education, an active local advocacy group. She added, “School is not a priority right now. What I’m hearing is the fear.”

Adding to the complex educational landscape, HISD witnessed another notable student absenteeism surge on February 5th. This time, the increase coincided with a district-wide “sick-out” organized by Community Voices for public Education, protesting the actions of the state-appointed HISD board of managers and Superintendent Mike Miles. the protest was a response to Miles’s implementation of new instructional reforms and significant staffing changes as his appointment by the Texas Education Agency in June 2023.

On February 5th, 8.7% of HISD students, or approximately 15,300 students, were absent, highlighting the growing concerns and anxieties surrounding the educational environment in the district.

addressing the Challenges

The recent surge in student absenteeism in HISD underscores the profound impact of social and political climates on education.The fear of deportation, coupled with dissatisfaction with educational policies, has created a climate of uncertainty and anxiety in the district. To effectively address these challenges, HISD must prioritize:

• Building Trust with the Immigrant Community: Establishing clear and consistent dialogue channels to address concerns and dispel misinformation about immigration policies is crucial.
• Ensuring Student Safety and Well-being: Reassuring students and families that their schools are safe and welcoming environments is paramount. This may involve revisiting school safety protocols and engaging in transparent dialogue about immigration enforcement practices within school boundaries.
• Involving Families in Decision-Making: Creating participatory spaces where families can voice their concerns and contribute to shaping educational policies that meet their needs is essential.

Only through a collaborative and compassionate approach can HISD effectively navigate these complex challenges and ensure that all students have access to a quality education.

How does HISD plan to create more participatory spaces for families to contribute to educational policies?

Despite Absenteeism Surge, Houston ISD CEO Aims to Reassure and Reengage Students

Amidst heightened immigration concerns and educational policy protests, HISD’s leadership is committed to addressing the challenges and ensuring a quality education for all students. Archyde sat down with houston ISD’s newly appointed interim CEO,Dr. Linda Martinez, to discuss the recent absenteeism spikes and the district’s plans to address these issues.

Interview with dr. Linda Martinez, Interim CEO, houston ISD

Archyde: Dr. Martinez, thank you for taking the time to discuss these critical issues facing houston ISD. Let’s start with the unprecedented student absenteeism we’ve seen, particularly on February 3rd and 5th. What are your thoughts on the reasons behind these spikes?

Dr.Martinez: Thank you for having me. The recent absenteeism surges are indeed concerning, and I believe they reflect the anxieties and uncertainties our families are experiencing due to several factors. The ‘A Day Without Immigrants’ protest on February 3rd highlighted the fear and uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s immigration policies.The subsequent ‘sick-out’ on February 5th demonstrated the growing dissatisfaction with our district’s educational policies and the desire for a more inclusive decision-making process.

Archyde: Addressing these concerns must be a top priority. What steps is HISD taking to reassure families, especially those in the immigrant community, and engage them in the educational process?

Dr. Martinez: You’re absolutely right. Our first step is to build open and consistent channels of dialog with our families. We’re implementing regular town halls, both in person and virtually, to address their concerns, clarify misinformation, and discuss our district’s policies. We’re also translating these communications into multiple languages to ensure everyone feels included.

Archyde: Ensuring student safety and well-being is crucial. How is HISD working to create safe and welcoming environments amidst the changing political landscape?

Dr. Martinez: We’re taking a multifaceted approach here. We’ve been working closely with local law enforcement to clarify immigration enforcement practices within school boundaries. We’re also reinforcing our school safety protocols and providing our staff with additional training to support our diverse student population.Most importantly, we’re reminding our students and families that our schools are safe havens—no child should fear coming to school.

Archyde: Involving families in decision-making processes is essential. How does HISD plan to create more participatory spaces for families to contribute to educational policies?

Dr. Martinez: We’re committed to creating Family Leadership Teams in every school. These teams will work alongside our school leaders to voice concerns, share insights, and help shape policies that truly meet our students’ and families’ needs. We’ll also be launching a district-wide survey to gather feedback and ensure all voices are heard.

Archyde: Dr. Martinez, what final message would you like to share with the HISD community regarding the recent absenteeism and the district’s plans to address these challenges?

Dr. Martinez: I want to reassure our families that we understand and hear their concerns. We’re committed to working collaboratively to navigate these challenges and ensure that every one of our 176,000 students has access to a quality education. Our schools are safe, our doors are open, and we’re here to support every child.Together, we can rise above these challenges and build a brighter future for all our students.

what are your thoughts on HISD’s approach to addressing the recent absenteeism spikes? How can we, as a community, support our schools and students during these uncertain times? Share your views in the comments below.