Rumor shakes Madison Latinos

The Wisconsin State Journal reports:

Hundreds of Latino students and workers in the Madison area stayed away from school and jobs Monday amid apparently false rumors that federal immigration officials were sweeping through local shops and businesses.

Hundreds of Latino students were absent Monday from three Madison schools with sizeable Hispanic enrollments, Madison School District spokesman Ken Syke said. Although districtwide numbers weren't available Monday, Syke said spot checks showed 33 percent of Latino students were absent at Leopold Elementary School; 41 percent at Sennett Middle School and about 50 percent at Cherokee Middle School.

He said the rumors of immigration detentions "did appear to be a factor" in the absenteeism. Syke added that district officials were contacting parents of the absent students to notify them that the rumors appear to be false.

Look what rumors can do.