Introduction to the Issue
Chicago Public Schools officials are attempting to alleviate fears amid President Donald Trump’s promise of increased federal immigration enforcement actions in the city. The district is reminding parents that it already has policies in place for interacting with federal agents. CPS doesn’t share student records with U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement officials and doesn’t allow agents to enter school facilities without a criminal warrant signed by a judge. It also doesn’t ask a family’s immigration status.
Existing Policies and Protections
CPS has also created a guidance document on how families can stay safe in their communities. And the district has partnered with the city’s Office of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights to promote family preparedness workshops being held this month. These measures are designed to provide support and reassurance to families who may be concerned about the impact of increased immigration enforcement on their daily lives.
Concerns About Safety Outside of School
But parents still have questions about what happens outside the school day. One of the main concerns is about the safety of walking or driving their child to school. The district has several tips for concerned families. They include planning a walking path ahead of time and taking Safe Passage routes if their schools have them. These routes can be found online. Families are also encouraged to carpool or use a buddy system if taking public transportation.
Community Support and Resources
They can lean on the community for help, said Any Huamani, an organizer with Brighton Park Neighborhood Council who also co-leads a rapid response team on the Southwest Side. “We are doing a call to our community members, if they are not in a vulnerable situation to please provide that help, that extra support,” Huamani said. “Only we can keep each other safe.” It’s also important for families to know where they can go for help if they are feeling unsafe while on their trip. CPS suggests stopping inside places such as churches, firehouses, police stations, community centers and park fieldhouses.
School Work and Attendance
Can my child do school work from home? At the moment, if your child does not show up for school, they will be marked absent. But many teachers say they will make sure that students get work and will post assignments online. Chicago Public Schools have continued to stress that school is the safest place for students and do not plan to offer a remote learning option to students. “In-person instruction continues to provide the strongest foundation for learning,” school district officials said in a statement. However, they added that they are monitoring the situation and will reassess if necessary.
Organizing Walking Groups
Is CPS organizing anything like walking buses for schools? CPS is encouraging communities to organize their own groups of “walking school buses,” which are groups of children being escorted to school by one or more adults. “Its safer to travel with friends and family members than traveling alone,” CPS said. Online resources offer advice on how to start a walking group. Local neighborhood organizations can also help connect families to organize walks. Community members can use those connections to create a network to share information quickly, whether that be through texting or social media.
Emergency Planning
What if I am detained while my child is at school? CPS strongly recommends that parents have an emergency contact to call if no one picks up their child. The district said it is in the process of making sure all students emergency contact information is up to date. If there is no emergency contact on file, CPS would eventually have to call DCFS but that is “always considered the absolute last recourse.” Huamani urges families to have an emergency plan in place. That includes collecting important information and phone numbers such as the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights family support hotline at 855-435-7693, which can help connect families with attorneys, she said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicago Public Schools are taking steps to alleviate fears and provide support to families who may be affected by increased federal immigration enforcement actions. While there are policies in place to protect students and families, it is crucial for parents to be aware of their rights and the resources available to them. By working together with the community and utilizing the resources provided, families can help ensure their children’s safety and well-being.
FAQs
- Q: What if I don’t feel safe walking or driving my child to school?
A: The district has several tips for concerned families, including planning a walking path ahead of time, taking Safe Passage routes, and carpooling or using a buddy system. - Q: Can my child do school work from home?
A: At the moment, if your child does not show up for school, they will be marked absent. However, many teachers will make sure that students get work and will post assignments online. - Q: Is CPS organizing walking buses for schools?
A: CPS is encouraging communities to organize their own groups of “walking school buses,” and online resources offer advice on how to start a walking group. - Q: What if I am detained while my child is at school?
A: CPS strongly recommends that parents have an emergency contact to call if no one picks up their child, and families should have an emergency plan in place, including collecting important information and phone numbers.
