Some professors have canceled class on Jan. 30 in response to a nationwide initiative protesting increasing violence by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The “National Shutdown” campaign calls for an all-day pause on work, schooling and shopping.
Adjunct Instructor of Public Health & Wellness Tina Indalecio will not be holding class to allow students the chance to protest, according to a Jan. 29 email to The Beacon.
“I support everyone’s right to peacefully protest and share their views with others,” Indalecio said. “This is also a great learning opportunity for both students and faculty to turn protest into dialogue.”
The shutdown comes after businesses across Minnesota temporarily closed their doors in response to the fatal shooting of 37-year-old intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by ICE agents on Jan. 24.
Pretti’s killing is one of eight confirmed deaths by ICE agents since the start of 2026.
Indalecio says that allowing her students to miss one day of class doesn’t worry her, and that she hopes safety will be a priority for those choosing to protest.
“We’ve covered a lot this week already, and nothing is pressing that can’t wait until next Monday,” Indalecio said. “My main concern is that everyone stays safe and healthy.”
Multiple sources have told The Beacon that other professors cancelled classes in response to the shutdown. The Beacon contacted them for comment but did not receive any responses at the time of publication.
Rieve Randall is the Living Editor for The Beacon. He can be reached at randallr28@up.edu.
