LAKEWOOD, Colo. -- About 200 students at O'Connell Middle School in Lakewood, and some parents, protested Tuesday morning after they said the principal said Hispanic immigrants should go back to Mexico.

The students walked out of class at about 8:15 a.m. and left the school grounds.

The school officials said the principal's comments were taken out of context and the incident was the result of a misunderstanding and that the assembly was held to be proactive about immigration issues.

"What I believe is that the principal should come to these children and give them an apology -- and not an apology that says, 'I'm sorry but you heard me wrong," said parent Donna Lee. "I think she needs to give a genuine apology."

"No apology necessary at this time," said Peg Kastberg, community superintendent for Jeffco Public Schools. "Clearly the principal did not say any derogatory remarks, or any comments against any groups or diverse populations."

Kastberg said that students who walked out and didn't return to class could face possible disciplinary action.

Some 200 Lincoln High students also held an immigration march Tuesday. They made their way from their school to Kunsmiller Middle School to bring awareness to immigration reform.

Sen. Ken Salazar said he supports the immigration rallies, but said students should stay in the classroom.

At a Tuesday morning press conference, the Colorado democrat said its clear that the immigration issue has touched a nerve, but student walkouts send the wrong message.

"I think they should get themselves back to school. I think that walking out from school is not the right way to go in expressing an opinion," Salazar said.

Salazar said he hopes that the Senate can come up with an immigration bill after the Easter recess. A compromise must still be reached with a house version, which takes a much tougher line on border security.