Schools and Businesses Close Friday for National Day of Action
On Friday, January 30, several schools and businesses in southern Arizona will observe the National Day of Action. This initiative encourages students to walk out of classes, teachers to call in sick, businesses to close, consumers to avoid shopping, and the community to gather peacefully for rallies.
Background of the National Day of Action
This event is part of a broader movement against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following two recent fatal shootings in Minneapolis and increased immigration enforcement activities. The day aims to raise awareness about the impact of these actions on local communities, especially in light of recent ICE arrests in Tucson.
School Closures
The Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) announced the closure of numerous schools due to staffing shortages. These closures include:
- Davis-Romero Magnet School
- Drachman K-8
- Gale Elementary
- Hollinger K-8
- Johnson Primary
- McCorkle Academy of Excellence
- Manzo Elementary
- Mary Meredith K-12
- Myers-Ganoung Elementary
- Oyama Elementary
- Palo Verde High
- Pistor Middle School
- Pueblo High
- Roskruge Bilingual
- Sahuaro High
- Sam Hughes Elementary
- Secrist Middle
- Tucson High
- University High
- Van Buskirk Elementary
- Warren Elementary
- White Elementary
Food services will remain available at all sites during this closure.
Schools That Will Remain Open
The following school districts will have all their schools open on the National Day of Action:
- Amphitheater Unified District
- Catalina Foothills Unified District
- Flowing Wells Unified School District
- Marana Unified School District
- Sahuarita Unified School District
- Sierra Vista Unified School District
- Sunnyside Unified School District
- Tanque Verde School District
- Vail School District
Local Business Closures
Many local businesses have chosen to close for the day as well, voicing their support for the National Day of Action. Businesses that will be closed include:
- Arizona Poppy Botanica
- How Sweet It Was Vintage
- Mildred & Dildred
- Presta Coffee
- Rollie’s Slow Body
- Spadefoot Nursery
- Tucson Thrift Shop
- Warm Shape
- Yolia
Protests and Vigils
Multiple events are scheduled to take place on the National Day of Action, including:
- A candlelight vigil hosted by Veterans For Peace outside the VA Hospital from 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
- A student walkout and protest at the University of Arizona at 1 p.m.
- A rally outside the federal building at 2 p.m.
- A Unity Ride at Himmel Park at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, honoring those lost to ICE.
This National Day of Action reflects a significant moment in the community’s ongoing discourse about immigration policies and their effects on families and local businesses.
