ATLANTA, Ga. -- In an unexpected turn of events at a Division II college basketball game on Saturday, Tuskegee University coach Benjy Taylor was escorted off the court in handcuffs following a confrontation with a security officer.

The incident occurred during the post-game handshake line after Tuskegee's loss to Morehouse College, raising questions about security protocols and the treatment of coaches during athletic events.

Tuskegee Coach Incident Details: Handcuffing and Security Confrontation Explained

Video footage obtained by HBCU Gameday shows Coach Taylor being led away in handcuffs.

Related Article: University of Georgia’s Unsung Heroes: The Unseen Force Behind Game Day Safety

The situation began when Taylor confronted a security officer regarding Morehouse football players' presence in the handshake line, which was against protocol and he perceived as a potential security threat, reports USA Today. Taylor's frustration was evident, but the video does not show any physical aggression towards the officer.

Taylor later expressed his dismay to The Field of 68's Jeff Goodman, stating, “I am at a loss for words and I am upset about how I was violated and treated today. For my players, my family and people of Tuskegee to witness that is heartbreaking for me.”

Security Breach and Conflicting Reports in Tuskegee Coach Incident

Tuskegee athletic director Reginald Ruffin provided further insight, describing the incident as a "security breach" after a group of Morehouse football players intermingled with the basketball teams, reports Yahoo Sports. According to Ruffin, Taylor's actions were reasonable as he requested the removal of the football players from the handshake line. However, the security officer perceived Taylor as "very aggressive" and cited this as the reason for the handcuffing.

Ruffin contested the officer's account, insisting that Taylor's demeanor was not as portrayed.

Legal Actions and Tuskegee University's Official Response

Following the incident, Taylor has retained national civil rights attorney Harry Daniels to explore potential legal action. Daniels emphasized that Taylor's intentions were to ensure the safety of his players against aggressive behavior from Morehouse's football team members.

Tuskegee President Dr. Mark A. Brown issued a statement in strong support of Taylor, asserting, "During the events in question, Coach Taylor acted solely out of his fundamental responsibility to protect his student-athletes and staff," reports Hoop Dirt.

Related Article: 7 Steps to Improving Stadium Security and Large Event Safety

Brown criticized the handling of the situation, deeming it inconsistent with standard collegiate athletic protocols.

The post Tuskegee Coach Handcuffed in Controversial Incident at College Basketball Game appeared first on Campus Safety Magazine.

SEATTLE -- Two Seattle Public Schools (SPS) students were shot and killed at a bus stop Friday afternoon.

The shooting occurred in front of the South Shore PreK-8 School and several blocks from Rainier Beach High School, which both victims attended, KOMO News reports. The shooting occurred just 30 minutes after both schools' dismissals. When Seattle Police arrived on the scene, they found two young men suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers administered first aid before the Seattle Fire Department arrived. Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.

RELATED ARTICLE: School Shootings Decreased 30% Last Year

While no one has been arrested in connection to the killings, police say the shooting was targeted and that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public. All activities at Rainier Beach High School, Alan T. Sugiyama High School, and South Shore PreK-8 were canceled for the remainder of the evening and throughout the weekend.

The district encourages anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Seattle Police Department (SPD) tip line at 206-233-5000. Tips can be made anonymously.

Seattle Public Schools Delays Classes at Rainier Beach Schools

SPS announced it is working with SPD and city officials to "increase presence and patrols in the area" for the week. Four campuses in the Rainier Beach community will also have a delayed opening Monday in response to the shooting, according to The Seattle Times. South Shore PK-8 will have a two-hour delay "to allow time for staff wellness supports” and to prepare “to welcome students with care,” SPS wrote in a news release Sunday. Rainier Beach High, Sugiyama High, and Interagency Academy Southeast will start classes at 12:30 p.m.

All of the delays are to provide “wellness and stabilization supports for staff and preparation to welcome students,” the district said. Individual and group crisis counseling and mental health experts will also be at school sites to help students and staff.

Superintendent Ben Shuldiner, who began his term on Sunday, "has been clear that strengthening safety measures across the district is a top priority, and that work begins immediately," the school district said.

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Community Advocate Calls for Police Back in Seattle Public Schools

More than 100 people gathered at a vigil Saturday, including the victims' mothers, to honor the teens and call for an end to violence in the city. King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans, City Councilmembers Eddie Lin and Dionne Foster, and then-SPS Superintendent Fred Podesta were also in attendance.

During the vigil, community advocate Victoria Beach called for the return of police in Seattle schools, suggesting it could prevent future violence, ABC 8 reports.

"We have to do whatever it takes to take them safe, I don’t care what it is," she said.

RELATED ARTICLE: Seattle Students Rally for More School Mental Health Counselors, Gun Safety

The Seattle School Board voted in June 2020 to remove SPD officers from Seattle Public Schools amid nationwide protests over police violence following the murder of George Floyd. The board instead adopted an indefinite moratorium on the district's School Resource Officer and School Emphasis Officer programs.

In October, the board also voted 5-2 to reject a proposal to place an SPD officer, known as a "School Engagement Officer," at Garfield High School following the 2024 murder of student Amarr Murphy-Paine in the school's parking lot. Murphy-Paine was attempting to break up a fight when he was shot and killed.

The post Rainier Beach: 2 Seattle Public Schools Students Fatally Shot at Bus Stop appeared first on Campus Safety Magazine.

ARTICLE UPDATE FEBRUARY 2, 2026:

As winter weather continues to sweep across the United States, numerous school districts are adjusting their schedules in response to snow and icy conditions. With safety as a top priority, schools in Maryland, Georgia, Indiana, Pittsburgh, and Western North Carolina are taking various measures to ensure the well-being of their students and staff.

Maryland Implements Delays

In Maryland, snow has caused several school districts to delay their start times, reports WMAR. Anne Arundel County Public Schools and Howard County Public Schools are both experiencing two-hour delays on Monday and Tuesday. Baltimore City Public Schools cautioned that yellow bus services might face delays on Monday due to snow and icy road conditions, especially on smaller side streets. Meanwhile, Baltimore County and Caroline County Public Schools will also open two hours late on Monday.

Georgia Opts for Virtual Learning

In north Georgia, the decision to keep students off the roads has led several districts to close schools on Monday, reports WSBTV. These include Banks County Schools, Clarke County School District, and Habersham County Schools, among others. In contrast, other districts such as Buford City Schools and Forsyth County Schools will hold classes virtually. Notably, Atlanta Public Schools have chosen not to alter their schedules.

Indiana Faces Closures and Delays

Indiana schools are also grappling with the adverse weather. The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) has announced a closure, opting for synchronous learning through live virtual instruction, reports the Courier & Press. Numerous other institutions, including Warrick County Schools and Evansville Christian School, are implementing two-hour delays. Additionally, Henderson County and Webster County Schools are closed.

Pittsburgh and Western North Carolina Adjustments

Pittsburgh is experiencing a cold spell, prompting several school districts to issue two-hour delays on Monday. Similarly, in Western North Carolina, a mix of school closures and remote learning days has been announced, reports WXII. Guilford County Schools and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools are among those closed, while others like Mount Airy City Schools will transition to remote learning.

ORIGINAL JANUARY 28, 2026 ARTICLE:

Heavy snow, ice, near-zero temperatures, and power outages have forced widespread school closures and delays across the United States.

Severe winter weather has pummeled much of the country the past week, stretching from the Southern Plains through the Midwest and into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Sub-zero temperatures and a polar vortex have kept cold air in place, particularly across the Eastern U.S., with cities like New York experiencing prolonged freezes not seen in years, the New York Post reports.

RELATED ARTICLE: Severe Weather: More Than Just a Seasonal Threat

Nearly 200 million Americans are under some form of winter cold warning at least through Feb. 1, and at least least 38 people have died across more than a dozen states due to storm-related conditions, according to Reuters. Ten of the deaths were in New York City, where the temperatures were the coldest they had been in eight years.

Forecasters are also watching for another possible winter storm to impact the eastern U.S. this weekend.

NYC Schools Go Remote

Due to significant snow totals, all New York City Public School buildings were closed Monday, with student instruction continuing remotely. With enough notice of the impending storm, city leaders were able to plan for the potential of a remote learning day.

"Over the past week, schools worked to confirm that students have the tools needed to participate in remote learning, and NYCPS coordinated with vendors to stress-test login systems across digital platforms and a range of scenarios," the city wrote in a press release Sunday. "Schools are prepared to address technology issues if they arise."

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said while 500,000 students were scheduled for school Monday as grades six through 12 were already observing a previously scheduled professional development day, the city school system saw 400,000 virtual log-ons, ABC reports.

United Federation of Teachers (UFT) President Michael Mulgrew praised Mamdani for his first snow day since becoming mayor.

"Mayor Mamdani gets an A for his first snow day. He led by example," said Mulgrew. "I want to thank our students, educators, administrators, and families. We all came together to make the remote day as engaging and as smooth as possible. The one glitch seemed to be Google. They had the same notice as our students, parents, and teachers, so they need to do better."

All schools reopened for in-person instruction Tuesday.

Greater Cincinnati Schools: City Under Cold Weather Advisory

Some schools in the Greater Cincinnati area remain closed due to a cold weather advisory in effect until noon on Jan. 28. Overnight lows near or below zero are expected the rest of the week, and the city saw a record-breaking level of snowfall on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

Cincinnati Public Schools announced Tuesday that it would be closed Wednesday due to snow and ice, marking the third day in a row the region's largest district has closed, according to The Enquirer.

Other schools that announced closures for Wednesday include Boone County Schools, Middletown City Schools, Hamilton City Schools, and Covington Independent Public Schools. A full list of closures can be found here.

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D.C.-Area Schools Offer Meals

In Washington, D.C., school closures and delays continued into Wednesday after a weekend storm brought snow and significant ice to the region.

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced D.C. Public Schools would remain closed Wednesday as the city continues to dig out from the storm. Government buildings reopened at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Montgomery County Public Schools announced Tuesday that all campuses would remain closed Wednesday and Thursday. Emergency food distribution sites were set up at nine of its schools Wednesday, with meals available to children 18 and under and to people over 18 who have a disability, according to the district's website.

MCPS officials said district families and staff can expect news about Friday's status by 4 p.m. on Thursday.

"We are watching the weather and know that extreme cold temperatures will continue through the remainder of the week and that there may be additional snow over the weekend. We strongly recommend that families plan for the potential for an extended closure," the district said. "We will update you about make-up days as soon as we have a fuller picture of the impact as a result of this week's weather event."

Other D.C.-area school districts announced emergency meal distribution sites, including Fairfax County Public Schools and Prince George's County Public Schools.

North Texas School Districts Enter Third Snow Day

Many North Texas school districts, including Dallas ISD and Forth Worth ISD, remained closed Wednesday due to ongoing cold and icy conditions. A freezing fog advisory was also issued in North Texas through 11 a.m. CST on Wednesday.

Mansfield, Lewisville, Little Elm, and Denton ISDs also announced closures for Wednesday, WFAA reports. A complete list of closed North Texas schools, daycares, churches, and businesses can be found here.

RELATED ARTICLE: How Pepperdine University Protects Its Campus from Wildfires

On Jan. 20, Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated state emergency response resources ahead of the winter weather threat. Two days later, he issued a disaster declaration for 134 counties. On Sunday, Abbott expanded the disaster declaration to include more than 200 counties.

Texas officials say the state has deployed more than 10,900 responders and more than 4,900 vehicles and pieces of equipment to help those affected by the storm.

Nashville Schools Closed Through Thursday

In Nashville, Tenn., an estimated 135,000 homes and businesses remain without power following a historic ice storm. The temperature was expected to drop to six degrees Fahrenheit by Wednesday morning with below-zero wind chills.

Metro Nashville Public Schools, Williamson County Schools, Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, and several other districts announced they would remain closed through Thursday, The Tennessean reports. Some districts also announced weeklong-closures, including Houston County Schools, Lewis County Schools, Macon County Schools, and Perry County Schools.

Memphis-based Fox 13 announced every public school district in its viewing area would be closed again Wednesday, noting 19 districts aren't set to reopen until at least Monday, including six in Tennessee and 13 in North Mississippi.

The post Snowy Conditions Continue to Disrupt School Schedules Across Multiple States appeared first on Campus Safety Magazine.

ANTWERP, BELGIUM – A major cyberattack on AZ Monica hospital led to the shutdown of all servers, the cancellation of scheduled procedures, and the transfer of critical patients on January 13.

The attack forced the hospital, which operates campuses in Antwerp and Deurne, to disconnect its servers at 6:32 AM as a precautionary measure.

Cyberattack Response and Emergency Measures Implemented at Belgian Hospital

The cyberattack compelled AZ Monica to suspend all scheduled procedures, with 70 surgeries being cancelled. The emergency department continued to operate, albeit at reduced capacity, as emergency medical services and intensive care transport units remained offline, reports Bleeping Computer. Ambulances were partially diverted to nearby hospitals to manage the situation.

Related Article: Ransomware Attack Leads to Hospital Patient Death

Seven patients in need of critical care were transferred to other hospitals with the assistance of the Red Cross. Although most patients remained at AZ Monica, the registration process for new patients was slowed significantly as staff resorted to manual paper records.

According to the hospital's latest update, the investigation into the cyberattack has not revealed any evidence of leaked or misused patient data. Some IT systems have been restored, and approximately 70% of planned surgical procedures and scheduled consultations have resumed, reports Cyber News. However, several departments are still operating below full capacity.

Cyberattack Impact on Staff and Hospital Operations Disruption

Despite progress in resolving the situation, the IT systems of the human resources department remain down, affecting the salary payments of about 1,200 doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel. Hospital officials have assured staff members will receive partial compensation for their work, with full payment expected to resume this month.

Individual solutions will be sought for staff who worked less than average in December.

Related Article: Ransomware Attack Shuts Down 14 Ohio Medical Centers

The incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on healthcare facilities, emphasizing the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says more than nearly 500 breaches were reported in the U.S. last year, although fewer people were impacted in 2025 compared to 2024, reports Chief Healthcare Executive.

The post Cyberattack Forces Hospital to Cancel Procedures, Transfer Patients and Not Pay Staff appeared first on Campus Safety Magazine.

San José State University (SJSU) violated Title IX by allowing a transgender woman to compete on the women's volleyball team, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights said Wednesday.

SJSU was at the center of a 2024 controversy when some students on the women's volleyball team and competing teams objected to the presence of Blaire Fleming, a transgender woman who had played for the team since 2022, Inside Higher Ed reports. Fleming's teammates sued SJSU and the NCAA, and other teams forfeited games in protest.

The Education Department launched an investigation into SJSU in 2025, one day after President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender women from competing in women's sports at federally funded schools and colleges. One month prior, Trump signed another executive order declaring that the policy of the United States is that there are two sexes --male and female -- which are "not changeable."

RELATED ARTICLE: 16 Female College Athletes Sue NCAA, U. Georgia System Over Transgender Policies

The department also alleges SJSU violated Title IX by failing to promptly investigate complaints from cisgender female athletes and “by taking action that discouraged women from participating in the Title IX process.”

“SJSU caused significant harm to female athletes by allowing a male to compete on the women’s volleyball team—creating unfairness in competition, compromising safety, and denying women equal opportunities in athletics, including scholarships and playing time. Even worse, when female athletes spoke out, SJSU retaliated—ignoring sex-discrimination claims while subjecting one female SJSU athlete to a Title IX complaint for allegedly ‘misgendering’ the male athlete competing on a women’s team. This is unacceptable,” said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey. “We will not relent until SJSU is held to account for these abuses and commits to upholding Title IX to protect future athletes from the same indignities.”

OCR Title IX Findings Conflict with State Law, LGBTQ+ Advocate Says

Jorge Reyes-Salinas with Equality California, an LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, told ABC 7 that the department's findings conflict with state laws.

"California law clearly protects transgender students from discrimination, including school athletics. Public universities in California are required to follow state civil rights laws, and San Jose State is doing exactly that and hopefully continue to do so," Reyes-Salinas said. "This is another attempt to use threats and their own executive orders to benefit the investigation they were running."

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San José State Title IX Resolution Agreement

As part of a proposed Resolution Agreement, OCR is requiring SJSU to:

• Issue a public statement to the SJSU community that SJSU will adopt biology-based definitions of the words ‘male’ and ‘female’ and acknowledge that the sex of a human – male or female – is unchangeable
• Specify that SJSU will follow Title IX by separating sports and intimate facilities based on biological sex
• State that SJSU will not delegate its obligation to comply with Title IX to any external association or entity and will not contract with any entity that discriminates on the basis of sex
• Restore to individual female athletes all individual athletic records and titles misappropriated by male athletes competing in women’s categories, and issue a personalized letter of apology on behalf of SJSU to each female athlete for allowing her participation in athletics to be marred by sex discrimination
• Send a personalized apology to every woman who played in SJSU’s women’s indoor volleyball (2022–2024), 2023 beach volleyball, and to any woman on a team that forfeited rather than compete against SJSU while a male student was on the roster—expressing sincere regret for placing female athletes in that position

RELATED ARTICLE: Anti-LGBTQ+ School Policies Associated with High Rates of LGBTQ+ Student Depression, Suicide Attempts

SJSU has 10 days to respond and could face "imminent enforcement action" -- such as pulling federal funding -- if it doesn't voluntarily resolve the violations, the Los Angeles Times reported.

An SJSU spokesperson said the school is reviewing the department's finding and that it "remain[s] committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive educational environment for all students while complying with applicable laws and regulations."

Wednesday's announcement comes as the Supreme Court is set to rule this summer on the legality of transgender athlete bans in schools.

The post OCR: San Jose State Violated Title IX by Allowing Transgender Volleyball Player to Compete appeared first on Campus Safety Magazine.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. —The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) confirmed a third active case of tuberculosis (TB) at Archbishop Riordan High School on Tuesday, marking a significant public health concern for the co-ed Catholic institution.

The tuberculosis outbreak, now officially recognized, has prompted immediate action to prevent further transmission.

Public Health Response and TB Testing Measures at Archbishop Riordan High School

In a statement to SFGATE, SFDPH officials assured that all students and staff are undergoing TB testing, with contact tracing implemented to contain the outbreak.

Related Article: West Coast States Form Health Alliance to Provide Evidence-Based Vaccine Guidance

The first confirmed TB case was reported in November, with the affected individual isolated, minimizing public risk. Following this, the school intensified precautions, including symptom monitoring, mandatory indoor masking, and activity adjustments to curb transmission risks.

All students and staff are required to retest between January 20 and February 13, with a deadline of February 20 for testing compliance. Failure to meet this deadline will result in a temporary ban from campus access.

Despite the outbreak, parents and students remain confident in the school's handling of the situation, reports the Daily Mail.

Archbishop Riordan High School, which enrolls around 1,150 students and employs hundreds of staff members, continues to collaborate with health authorities to ensure safety and compliance with public health directives.

What is Tuberculosis? TB Risks, Symptoms, and San Francisco Health Concerns

Tuberculosis, an airborne bacterial disease formerly called “consumption,” is known for causing symptoms like cough, fever, and weight loss. It normally is active in only 5-10% of people, but poses significant risks for young children and people with compromised immunity, reports KTVU.

If untreated, it can lead to severe health complications. Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease expert at UC San Francisco, highlighted that while TB outbreaks are uncommon in the U.S., the emergence of three cases at a single school is concerning.

Related Article: Measles Costs $16,200 Per Case, New Review Finds

"It's quite easily transmitted in closed settings, and none of us are immune in the United States," Dr. Gandhi explained to SFGATE.

Although a vaccine exists, it is not routinely administered in the U.S., making prevention through early detection and treatment critical.

The newly detected case at Riordan has prompted a comprehensive restart of the testing and infection control processes to identify any further exposures. The SFDPH continues to monitor the situation closely, aiming to prevent additional cases.

San Francisco reported 91 active TB cases in 2024, with 2025 data still pending.

The post Third Tuberculosis Case Confirmed at Private California High School appeared first on Campus Safety Magazine.

The U.S. Department of Education's Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) has found the California Department of Education (CDE) in “continued violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).”

This federal law is designed to protect the privacy of student education records and grants parents the right to access these records. The CDE's policies, which reportedly pressure school officials to withhold information about students' gender identity from their parents, have sparked significant controversy.

Related Article: Transgender Youth Suicide Attempts Decrease When Pronouns Are Respected

“Our investigation found that the California Department of Education egregiously abused its authority by pressuring school officials to withhold information about students’ so-called ‘gender transitions’ from their parents," stated U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a press release.

Why Outing Student Gender Identities to Parents Can Be So Dangerous

California's state laws, including AB 1955, prohibit schools from mandating parental notification regarding a child's gender transition. These measures aim to protect transgender children who might delay or avoid sharing their identity with their parents due to fears of rejection, abuse, being kicked out of their home or loss of autonomy, reports the New York Times. Schools often serve as a safer environment for students to explore their identities, supported by peers and educators.

Despite these considerations, the federal government insists on parental access to educational records, including those related to gender identity.

Related Article: Anti-LGBTQ+ School Policies Associated with High Rates of LGBTQ+ Student Depression, Suicide Attempts

In response to the violations, SPPO has proposed several corrective actions for the CDE:

• Issuing notices to superintendents and administrators, affirming that "gender support plans" are part of educational records under FERPA.
• Publicizing that no "unofficial records" exception to FERPA exists and clarifying that California laws must not contradict federal regulations.
• Providing written assurance that the CDE will permit local education agencies (LEAs) to enforce FERPA concerning gender identity.
• Requiring LEAs to certify their understanding and compliance with FERPA.
• Incorporating FERPA training approved by SPPO into the California Education Code's LGBTQ cultural competency training.

The post California Department of Education Gender Identity Privacy Practices Violate FERPA, U.S. Department of Education Claims appeared first on Campus Safety Magazine.

Recent Immigration and Customers Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minneapolis -- part of a broader federal immigration enforcement surge -- have ignited community conflict and widespread protests.

Some schools temporarily closed or altered operations due to safety concerns, reflecting the broader anxiety among families and educators about federal enforcement activity in and around school communities.

Students across the country have staged large walkouts to protest immigration enforcement tactics, and a nationwide protest is planned for Friday.

Bay Area Students Protest ICE

Hundreds of students across the Bay Area participated in walkouts Wednesday. In San Jose, students at East Side San Jose High School and Overfelt High School walked out to demonstrate against ICE, citing the direct impact immigration enforcement has had on their classmates and families, KRON 4 reports. Overfelt High School Principal Vito Chiala said students staged a similar walkout a year ago.

“Nothing has gotten better,” he said. “The worst of what we imagined happened.”

Similar student walkouts took place in the East Bay, with hundreds of students staging and all-day protest, NBC reports. The demonstrators were mostly students from six different high schools in San Lorenzo, Hayward, and Berkeley.

RELATED ARTICLE: High School Principals Share How Immigration Enforcement Impacts Students

"Our families, our communities, our friends have been terrorized, and we are not for that," said East Bay Arts High School student Jolia Bossette. "We came out here today to show you all that although we cannot vote, we expect you all to do something important, change what's going on."

School district officials were on site overseeing the protest.

"We're proud of them," said San Lorenzo Unified School District Director of Communication Scott Faust. "I think that's the bottom line. They're learning from this. They're making an impact though their message. They're doing so peacefully."

Phoenix Students Protest ICE

Students from schools across metro Phoenix also staged walkouts Wednesday. Students from Arcadia High School walked off campus while students from Camelback High School marched to Senator Mark Kelly's Phoenix office, AZ Central reports. Kelly, as well as Senator Ruben Gallego, joined Democratic senators in opposing a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security following the murder of Pretti by ICE agents.

"I am disgusted and saddened by all the things ICE has been doing," said Lily Thomas, a sophomore at Camelback. "Seventy percent of Camelback is Hispanic, and so a lot of us are directly affected by the things that ICE has been doing. We are also a Title I school, and so we are the people speaking for the ones that can't."

The school's principal and additional staff monitored the students' safety as they made the 20 minute walk from school grounds to Kelly's office.

Sophia Mignacca, a senior at Arcadia High, said the organizers emailed school administrators in advance to notify them of the planned walkout. Mignacca said teachers and staff were supportive and helped to ensure the event was safe by notifying police.

Mesa High School, Gilbert High School, Shadow Ridge High School, and Tolleson Union High School also had walkouts, and social media posts indicated students from approximately 20 other area high schools planned to walk off campus.

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Salt Lake City Students Protest ICE

Students in Utah organized a statewide student walkout Tuesday in protest. Several Salt Lake County schools participated, including Brockbank STEM, Bingham High School, and Kearns High School. Protesters from Kearns High left the school chanting, "Defund ICE!"

Granite School District Spokesperson Luke Allen said 200 to 300 Kearns students participated.

“The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that schools must respect our students’ First Amendment rights and their desire to express their views on issues that matter to them,” he wrote in a statement. “Our top priority in these situations is maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and staff.”

Atlanta Students Protest ICE

Hundreds of students across metro Atlanta also walked out of school this week. Large groups of students from Archer High School and Parkview High School left class Tuesday, and over  2,000 students from Parkview High School walked out of class as well.

Students from Norcross High School in Gwinnett County and Riverwood International Charter School in Fulton County also staged walkouts on Wednesday. Last week, hundreds of students also walked out at Meadowcreek High School.

Nationwide ICE Protest to Be Held Friday

Significant demonstrations are expected Friday as part of a nationwide protest against ICE. Dubbed "National Shutdown," grassroots organizers are calling for "a nationwide day of no school, no work and no shopping" to cause economic disruption and show solidarity with immigrant communities. The movement aims to "stop ICE's reign of terror," demanding the abolition of ICE, a reduction in its funding, and the immediate end of federal immigration enforcement actions.

In Sacramento, high school students are planning a district-wide walkout Friday as part of the National Shutdown, according to The Sacramento Bee. The organizers are calling for the abolition of ICE and for Sacramento City Council to reaffirm its status as a sanctuary city for immigrants.

Students plan to walk out of school around 10:30 a.m. and walk to the John E. Moss Federal Building on Capitol Mall, which holds people detained by ICE. The student organizers secured a permit for 700 people to gather on the Capitol's west steps. About 1,000 people are expected to show.

School officials from at least two metro Atlanta school districts are warning students of consequences if they participate in the national event. The Cobb County School District sent a message Tuesday alleging "external groups" were recruiting students to hold a rally on Friday, AXIOS reports.

RELATED ARTICLE: Top K-12 Campus Safety Articles from 2025: ICE, the Education Department, and Cell Phone Bans

CCSD said any student who leaves or disrupts the school day could face out-of-school suspension and "the potential loss of parking privileges, sports and extracurricular privileges."

"Each has long-lasting impacts that could be taken into account by college admission offices and future employers," the district said.

DeKalb County Schools Interim Superintendent Norman Sauce wrote in a letter Tuesday that while the district appreciates students' concerns about current events, they are required to express their views without disrupting the school day.

"Students are encouraged to work with their principal or school administration to identify appropriate, school-approved ways to share their perspectives," Sauce wrote.

In Arizona, the Tucson Unified School District says it may cancel classes Friday because of hundreds of potential employee absences, according to Arizona Luminaria. TUSD Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo sent an email to families Thursday urging them to make childcare arrangements for possible school closures.

“Our primary goal is to keep schools open and to provide a consistent, safe learning environment for our students,” Trujillo wrote. “However, if we determine that we cannot meet the necessary supervision ratios to ensure student safety, we may be forced to cancel classes.”

The post Thousands of Students Stage Walkouts to Protest ICE appeared first on Campus Safety Magazine.

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The State University of New York (SUNY) system has awarded grants to 27 campuses to implement or expand Mental Health First Aid training. Chancellor John B. King Jr. announced the funding distribution on January 8 as part of a broader strategy to enhance crisis intervention capabilities and mental health literacy across the university system.

The program provides grants of up to $8,000 to 16 state-operated campuses and 11 community colleges. University officials estimate that, once fully implemented, the funding will support training for approximately 3,000 faculty, staff, and non-clinical personnel annually. The goal of the program to increase the number of campus employees qualified to recognize and respond to students in distress.

Related Article: Transgender Youth Suicide Attempts Decrease When Pronouns Are Respected

"Mental health is health, and our priority at SUNY is to advance every aspect of our students' growth," Chancellor King stated in a press release. "The grants provided... will help ensure more SUNY staff and personnel are trained to recognize and address mental health concerns."

Building Mental Health Support Networks Across SUNY Campuses

This grant program is a component of the 2025 State of the University Policy Agenda. The initiative reflects the SUNY Board of Trustees' focus on proactive strategies for student well-being. By training general faculty and staff, the system aims to extend support networks beyond traditional counseling centers, equipping personnel to connect students with professional resources.

Funding will support various aspects of the programming, including:

• Instructor certification
• Delivery of campus-wide training
• Procurement of required materials
• Outreach efforts regarding mental health literacy

Campuses with pre-existing programs will use the funds to expand training access. Binghamton University, a grant recipient, has previously trained more than 400 community members, reports BingUNews. The new funding will allow the university to extend training opportunities to a wider demographic, including students.

What Is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based training curriculum. It instructs participants on identifying, understanding, and responding to signs of mental health challenges and substance use disorders. The program prioritizes early recognition and the facilitation of connections to professional help. The SUNY implementation will also incorporate culturally competent supplemental materials produced by the university system.

Related Article: 5 School Safety Grant Writing Questions Answered by a Funding Advisor

The SUNY campuses that will receive grants through the Mental Health First Aid Grant Program in 2026 include:

• State University of New York at Albany
• Alfred State College
• State University of New York at Binghamton
• SUNY Brockport
• State University of New York at Buffalo
• Clinton Community College
• Farmingdale State College
• Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
• SUNY Fredonia
• Genesee Community College
• SUNY Geneseo
• Hudson Valley Community College
• Jamestown Community College
• SUNY Maritime College
• SUNY Morrisville
• SUNY New Paltz
• SUNY Niagara Community College
• SUNY Oneonta
• Onondaga Community College
• SUNY College of Optometry
• SUNY Oswego
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Tens of thousands of nurses and healthcare workers employed by Kaiser Permanente have initiated a strike, significantly impacting facilities across California and Hawaii. This action, which commenced at 7 a.m. PT on Monday, involves over 31,000 workers and marks the largest strike of healthcare professionals in 2026.

Key Details of the Kaiser Permanente Nurse Strike

The striking employees, members of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), are advocating for safer staffing levels, fair wages, and adequate compensation. According to the union, staffing shortages at many Kaiser facilities are leading to delays in patient care, increased risk of errors, and heightened levels of burnout and turnover among staff.

UNAC/UHCP has accused Kaiser of seeking to reduce wages and benefits, including medical coverage and pension plans. The union argues that Kaiser is bypassing established bargaining processes, leading to a stalemate in negotiations that began in May. An unfair labor practice charge has been filed with the National Labor Relations Board against Kaiser for abandoning negotiations in December, reports NBC San Diego.

Additionally, a report released by UNAC/UHCP criticizes Kaiser for operating with a net income and surplus exceeding typical nonprofit standards and for allegedly investing in private prisons and ICE detention centers, raising ethical concerns.

Kaiser's Response and Operational Adjustments

Kaiser Permanente has labeled the strike as "unnecessary," emphasizing that a "generous offer" remains on the table, reports ABC7. The organization has committed to keeping all hospitals and nearly all medical offices operational during the strike, implementing contingency plans to minimize disruptions. However, some in-person appointments may be shifted to virtual formats, and certain elective surgeries and procedures may require rescheduling.

Kaiser maintains that it is striving to balance fair compensation for staff while ensuring healthcare affordability, amid rising costs and potential threats to Americans' health insurance access.

Historical Context and New York Nurses Strike

This strike is not an isolated event; Kaiser workers also participated in a five-day strike in October with similar demands. Furthermore, it coincides with a major nursing strike in New York City, where nearly 15,000 nurses have walked off the job at five hospitals, indicating broader unrest within the healthcare sector. The New York State Nurses Association reports some progress, with tentative agreements on maintaining health benefits at two hospitals, yet the strike persists as negotiations continue, reports Fox5NY.

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