Former school board member, Candice Mares, has defended her son's decision to leave class at Lyons Township High School in Illinois for a protest against ICE, stating that the older generation's lack of political conscientiousness dates back to the Vietnam War. Mares is now a trustee for the Lyons Township government, which is separate from the school. She also commented on the school's commitment to following its handbook, which states that it will take one hour for every class cut.