Full Breakdown
Father Confronts School Board Over Unauthorized Student Protest Against ICE
2/13/2026, 4:32:51 AM
Incident Overview
On February 2, 2026, Vance Glawe, a father from Washington state, confronted the Highline School Board after discovering that his son, a seventh-grade student at Cascade Middle School, participated in a protest against the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without his knowledge or consent. The protest involved hundreds of students from the Seattle-area school district, some of whom had parental support, according to reports from the Seattle Times.
Glawe learned of the protest when his son called him, stating he was not at school but participating in the walkout. In a passionate address to the school board, Glawe expressed his outrage, claiming that the school violated state law by allowing students to leave without parental notification. He cited Washington state law RCW 28A 600035 and Initiative 2081, which supports parental rights, asserting, “You exposed him to real danger. That’s neglect and that’s endangerment.”
Legal Action and Fundraising Efforts
Following the incident, Glawe announced his intention to sue the school district for failing to inform parents about the protest. He has since initiated a fundraiser on GiveSendGo to cover legal fees and relocation expenses, citing threats received by both him and his son as a result of his public stance. Glawe stated, “I cannot bring my son back to school because kids are threatening to jump my son because of my video.”
Community Reactions
Glawe's confrontation with the school board garnered significant attention on social media, with many users expressing support for his actions. Comments included encouragement for Glawe to continue his fight for parental rights, with one user stating, “You did great, and you made your main concern heard: your child’s safety.” However, some attendees at the school board meeting reportedly reacted with skepticism, rolling their eyes during his speech.
Broader Context of Student Protests
This incident is part of a larger trend involving student protests against ICE, which has sparked controversy in various educational settings. For instance, a California senator, Scott Wiener, faced backlash after taking elementary school students to an anti-ICE protest. Critics condemned the involvement of young children in political demonstrations, arguing that it crosses ethical boundaries and undermines their education.
Official Statements & Responses
While Glawe's statements have resonated with many, the Highline School District has not publicly responded to his claims. Principal Emily Feldtmose, who Glawe accused of failing to notify parents, did not provide immediate comments regarding the incident.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a lack of clarity regarding the extent of parental support for the protest, as some reports indicate that certain parents backed the walkout while others, like Glawe, were unaware of it. Additionally, the school district has not disclosed its policies regarding student participation in protests, leaving questions about accountability and communication practices.
What's Next
Glawe plans to continue attending school board meetings to advocate for parental rights and accountability within the school system. His legal actions may set a precedent regarding parental notification and student participation in politically charged events.
