IMMIGRANT STUDENTS THRIVE IN SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE CLASSROOMS
Research indicates that students need a safe and supportive learning environment in order to learn. For immigrant students, the perceived and real fear of losing their parents to deportation can have a detrimental impact in their well-being and academic success. As former undocumented students, we know that when educators create a safe and supportive learning environment, the likelihood for success is greater.
IMMIGRANT FAMILIES AS LEADERS IN EDUCATION
Parent and family engagement is key for student’s success. For immigrant parents, the recent raids have instilled fear and anxiety making them less likely to participate in school activities or enroll their children in school programs. Schools can play a vital role in creating a safe and supportive culture where immigrant families can become active participants and advocates of their children’s education.
SCHOOLS AS SAFE HAVENS FOR ALL STUDENTS
All children regardless of their immigration status have the right to a K-12 education, as protected by Supreme Court Case Plyler v. Doe, 1982. Nationally, 7% or 3.9 million of all K-12 students are either undocumented or have at least one parent who is undocumented; yet, less than 1% of schools nationwide have a strategy or commitment to protecting their immigrant and refugee children. Schools should be safe havens that embrace and protect all students regardless of their immigration status.
