Deportation Threats Make Schools Even More Unsafe
A Fading Illusion of Safety
As a public school educator for 21 years, I have witnessed firsthand the erosion of our nation’s public schools as a safe haven for children, young adults, and families. The latest blow came when the Trump administration announced that schools would no longer be shielded from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entering to arrest immigrants. This development only reinforces the notion that our schools are no longer a haven for our most vulnerable students.
A Decade of Decline
Since the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, there have been more than 400 school shootings. Despite this, politicians have failed to pass comprehensive gun law reform to keep our schools safe. Instead, we lead our kids through lockdown drills year after year, hoping it will save lives if another shooting occurs. The result is a nation that is increasingly fearful of its schools.
A Tale of Two Cities
As a white, middle-class kid attending predominantly white schools in the suburbs, I had never heard of schools closing. However, as a teacher in the Roseland and Pullman communities in Chicago, I soon learned that this was a harsh reality. In 2013, then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel decided to close 50 Chicago schools in one fell swoop. This move was a huge blow to struggling Black communities, where many kids and families felt the safest: their local school.
The Mirage of Safety
By juxtaposing school shootings and school closings, I do not mean to diminish the tragic loss of so many lives by children, teens, and sometimes teachers. My intent is to point out that the American school as a safe haven has become a mirage. Our politicians refuse to tighten gun laws or enact policies that would preserve schools as “second homes” for vulnerable children.
The New Threat: Deportation
The Trump administration’s decision to allow ICE agents to enter schools and detain and deport students and families has further eroded the illusion of safety. As a teacher, I have seen students who are afraid to attend school, and parents who fear transporting their children to school, fearing for their livelihoods.
A Call to Action
Political action and inaction have upended the view of schools as safe, secure, and welcoming spaces. Teachers’ unions must add gun violence, school closures, and deportations to their dockets. Policymakers and political leaders, we need you to take the lead and fight against the further destruction of our nation’s schools. Our children deserve our schools to be the safe spaces we experienced in this country, not so long ago.
Conclusion
The erosion of our nation’s public schools as a safe haven is a crisis that requires immediate attention. As educators, policymakers, and community leaders, we must come together to demand change. Our children deserve better, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they receive the education they deserve in a safe and welcoming environment.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of school safety in the United States?
A: According to the Washington Post, there have been over 400 school shootings since the Columbine High School shooting in 1999.
Q: What is the impact of school closures on communities?
A: School closures can have a devastating impact on communities, particularly in low-income and minority areas, where schools often serve as community hubs and provide vital social services.
Q: How can teachers and educators support students affected by deportation threats?
A: Teachers and educators can provide a safe and supportive environment for students, offer resources and counseling, and advocate for policies that protect students and their families.
