LR not recognizing photos rejected

I'm trying to do a batch deletion of rejected photos.  I have marked them with the appropriate x.  When I go to the "Photos-delete rejected photos" tab it tells me there are no rejected photos to be deleted. 

I'm able to reject individual photos but that's a real hassle. 

I reset my preferences but that didn't help. 

Would appreciate any help as the Adobe customer support line is closed today.  

Thank you.