How Are Educators Supporting Students?

According to the official home page of New York City’s department of education, the District attorney and Mayor’s office are “committed to protecting the right of every student to attend public school regardless of immigration status, national origin or religion. The United States Supreme Court has also recognized the importance of public education for all students, including undocumented students.” It is stated that by law, the New York department of education: “does not permit Federal agents, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to enter schools, except when absolutely required by law. Does not track immigration status of students or family members, and will not release student information unless absolutely required to by law; Will continue to ensure that all students get a quality education.” I believe in order to create a safe space at school, it is important to examine the loopholes that exist within the phrasing “except when absolutely required by law.”*It is important to question and keep in mind which scenarios these laws are applied to, and how easy it may be for an officer and government official to exercise this power as well as flippantly declare an “extreme state” at any instance. Due to this erratic nature, I will be examining how educators have taken extra precautionary messages to support undocumented students as well as inform and promote discussion around undocumented persons within the classroom space.Many teachers from all regions of the country have joined what is known as, the American Federation of Teachers or AFT. AFT’s Executive Vice President, Mary Cathryn Ricker, states: “Our members and our communities have poured our hearts and souls into welcoming refugee children to our schools and providing a safe place for their families. Raids and deportation will not just disrupt the lives of the targeted students, they will cause pain and fear for their classmates, and destabilize the schools and communities that have worked so hard to welcome them.” Members of the American Federation of Teachers have helped Students and families ranging from grades K-12 Apply for DACA & DAPA, and have access to the The Los Angeles Unified School District documents that instruct teachers on how to help reunite families through DACA, much of which has helped mold many teachers within sanctuary cities curriculums Similarly, many teachers have joined New York city’s education trust which details how to handle and offer support regarding Collection and handling of student’s personal information, responding to federal immigration status, as well as supporting students and families when a parent, family member, or guardian is at risk of deportation or has been deported. Districts including Albany, Buffalo, Uniondale and New York City sent letters to families affirming their commitment to inclusiveness and diversity following the presidential election and anti-immigrant messaging from national leaders.