Introduction to the Situation
Chicago Public Schools has set up a command center to help schools navigate ICE activity near them as the school district faces increased pressure to do more to help schools and families navigate the situation. Chicago schools were in the crosshairs of activity over the last week. Rapid response and teachers in Albany Park say ICE agents were out in force around schools last Wednesday, prompting school staff and residents to take to the streets to get scared students home safely.
Recent Incidents Involving ICE
On Friday, some students at a Logan Square school were at recess when they were rushed inside after an ICE agent threw tear gas at a nearby car. And that afternoon one Southwest Side charter school went on lockdown because of a report of an ICE agent in a vehicle outside. These incidents have heightened the sense of fear and uncertainty among students, parents, and school staff.
Demands for Action
Among the many demands from various groups: expand safe zones around schools to include sidewalks and bus routes; provide real-time mental health services; provide more timely information and communication; offer remote learning and alter attendance policies to give grace to families too scared to take children to school. Parents and educators are calling for the school district to take a more proactive and comprehensive approach to addressing the situation.
Parent and Educator Concerns
“Children are not safe,” parent Jennifer Torres told the Board of Education at a meeting Wednesday. “Their families are not safe.” She said things like not letting students into the school until the bell rings can be nerve-racking for parents as they wait outside. Torres read a letter written by the sanctuary committee at Inter-American School, a dual-language elementary school in Lake View on the North Side. The committee’s understanding, according to the letter, is that if students miss too much school, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services could be called.
Attendance Policies and Support
The Chicago Principals & Administrators Association also has concerns about CPS’ attendance policies. “It is tone deaf right now to ask about enrollment and attendance, when parents are afraid to take their children to school, when they see vans parked and they drive past so that they can make sure their families are safe,” said Kia Banks, the association’s president. Banks told board members that school leaders are facing “immense first-hand and second-hand trauma” because of what is going on outside of their schools.
Need for Broader Support
Banks said the effort needs to go beyond Chicago Public Schools to include city and state departments. On Monday Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order barring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from using city property, including school parking lots, as staging grounds for raids. In addition to extending the area around schools considered safe zones, Banks said principals need to be able to connect parents to legal services so they can get their questions answered.
Response from School District
Board members did not address these concerns at the meeting on Wednesday. But on Monday four of them— Yesenia Lopez, Angel Gutierrez, Carlos Rivas, Jr. and Norma Rios-Sierra — sent a letter urging the school district to establish an Immigrant and Safety Committee to the district’s response to escalating immigration enforcement activity. This committee would include communication, safety and security, as well as executive level staff. The board members also want two or three briefings a week. CEO Macquline King did not respond directly to the requests. But she acknowledged “the very real fear and anxiety that is plaguing our communities.” She also said the school district’s “response will continuously evolve in response to the activity.”
Conclusion
The situation involving ICE activity near Chicago Public Schools is complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive and proactive approach from the school district, city, and state departments. The establishment of a command center is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the concerns of parents, educators, and students. The safety and well-being of students and their families must be the top priority, and it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to find solutions that prioritize their needs.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the command center set up by Chicago Public Schools?
A: The command center is intended to help schools navigate ICE activity near them and provide support to students and families affected by immigration enforcement.
Q: What are some of the demands made by parents and educators in response to the situation?
A: Demands include expanding safe zones around schools, providing real-time mental health services, offering remote learning, and altering attendance policies to give grace to families too scared to take children to school.
Q: How has the school district responded to the concerns raised by parents and educators?
A: The school district has acknowledged the fear and anxiety plaguing the communities and has stated that its response will continuously evolve in response to the activity. However, more concrete actions and policies are still being called for by parents and educators.
Q: What role can city and state departments play in addressing the situation?
A: City and state departments can play a crucial role in supporting the school district’s efforts by providing resources, legal services, and policy support to help keep students and families safe.
