Ivanka Trump made a surprise visit to a Connecticut high school on Monday and some furious, anti-Trump parents pulled their kids out so they wouldn’t have to be in her presence.

The visit was kept largely under wraps due to security protocol, but some parents found out beforehand and kept their children home.

According to Jessica Chasmar at The Washington Times:

The first daughter took a trip to the Norwalk Early College Academy at Norwalk High School to tour a program that allows students to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and associate of applied science degree. While Secret Service and local police provided security, the trip was kept secret and most in the school community were unaware until after it was over, the Connecticut Post reported.

“To see the passion and enthusiasm for bringing real life skills into a classroom environment but then coupling it with real life experience through internship creates this really beautiful virtuous angle,” Mrs. Trump said at the school, News 12 reported.

But no matter the educational opportunity, some parents were furious. One of them, Karey Fitzgerald said, “This should have been brought to our attention, although I do understand security reasons. I think we should have had the choice to send our child to school or keep them home.”

Mrs. Trump considered it an “honor” to tour the school and meet the students. She wrote on Facebook:

“Great visit to Norwalk Early College Academy today with IBM CEO Ginni Rometty. PTECH schools equip high school students with skills training in #STEM and Computer Science, enabling them to thrive in our modern economy. It was an honor to meet so many bright and talented students!”

The Board of Education defended Mrs. Trump’s visit and noted that high-profile visits are a way to funnel more money into these specialized programs meant to help high schoolers. 

“It’s amazing how polarizing things are that a sitting first daughter can’t even try to help without being ridiculed and demeaned,” board member Bryan Meek stated.

Another board member, Barbara Meyer-Mitchell added: “Regardless of your stance regarding Ivanka Trump, I think we can all celebrate that NECA is the most successful program of its type in the state, thanks in part to IBM’s generosity and partnership. I think that is where we need to focus. On the success of our program.”

You think?