Public Statement: RAZE Response to the Casa Grande Union High School District Message to Parents and Guardians

RE: Casa Grande Union High School District Message to Parents and Guardians

On Friday, January 30, 2026, the Casa Grande Union High School District shared a message stating that Rural Arizona Engagement (RAZE) organized student walkouts in Casa Grande.

We want to clarify our role and provide accurate information for families.

The events that day were part of a national, student-led day of action taking place across Arizona and the country, planned and organized independently by students in solidarity with communities in Minnesota.

RAZE did not organize, direct, or instruct students to leave school, and we do not contact, call or message students to recruit or organize actions.

Our team’s only role was safety, and our involvement only began after students gathered off campus and asked for support.

When youth asked for support and shared that they did not feel comfortable protesting alone, our team showed up to help ensure their safety. We provided water, and adult supervision, where our trained volunteers focused on de-escalation and maintaining a calm and supportive environment. Our presence remained off campus and stayed in public spaces, helping ensure students were safe and out of roadways.

We believe young people should be able to show up for the issues they care about, and they deserve to do so safely and with support.

RAZE’s mission has always centered on supporting youth leadership, civic participation, and keeping rural families together. Our commitment does not change.

For years, RAZE has partnered with families and schools across Pinal County and rural towns to support youth leadership and civic engagement through programs like RAZE Leaders. These programs help students build confidence, critical thinking skills, and the tools to participate responsibly in their communities. Participation is always voluntary, and we do not direct or instruct students on political actions or decisions. We have always worked in coordination with schools and do not enter campuses without permission or invitation.

As one of the few community-based organizations with a consistent presence in Pinal County, families and young people regularly call on us for help, and we respond when our community asks.

We were also informed that the superintendent intends to prohibit Rural Arizona Engagement from school campuses. Our Education team was not operating on any Casa Grande Union High School District campuses during the day of the action. RAZE has previously partnered with the district, including programming at PACE High School, and has received board approval to expand the RAZE Leaders youth leadership program to additional campuses this fall. We remain open to continued communication and collaboration to ensure students have access to safe, supportive opportunities to learn and engage.

Our commitment remains the same as it has always been: to show up for young people and families with care, safety, and respect, and to help create rural communities where every young person feels supported, heard, and safe.