Allentown School District cancels classes and extracurricular activities ahead of Trump rally

The Allentown School District has canceled classes and extracurricular activities scheduled for Tuesday “out of an abundance of caution” ahead of former President Donald Trump’s rally tomorrow night.

In an announcement Monday, the school district said the “planned political rally in the City of Allentown” is expected to draw large crowds, heavy traffic and potential disruptions that could impact the safety of the school community.

The district administration center and school offices will open in the morning and close at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Administrators, security staff, facilities services and technical staff will also work until 11:30 am.

Trump is scheduled to speak at a rally at the PPL Center on Hamilton Street in Allentown on Tuesday at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 2 p.m. According to a press release from the Trump-Vance campaign, the former president is expected to criticize the Biden-Harris scheme. the administration’s fight against violent crime, drug overdoses and the southern border.

Trump’s visit to Allentown came two days after the former president’s rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City, which made headlines following the lead speaker’s remarks. disparaging jokes about Puerto Rico.

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffeknown as “Kill Tony,” called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” during a speech at a rally on Sunday.

Senior Advisor to Trump Danielle Alvarez told CBS News“This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign,” adding that the jokes were not reviewed or pre-approved by the campaign.

According to CBS News, Hispanics make up 54% of Allentown’s population, the majority of whom are of Puerto Rican descent.