We will keep this one simple:
The rescinding of DACA by the current administration puts the lives of our young learners at risk. No student should live in fear, and while many schools indeed are sanctuary spaces of learning and love, the purpose of school is for youth to achieve their highest capacity, in the words of Francis W. Parker, of “knowledge, power, skill, and service.” We know that thousands of students have benefitted from DACA, and we know that our society is enriched because of those students and their families, regardless of their immigration status. They are our students, they are our friends, they are our neighbors, they are our fellow humans.
We urge legislators to get to work on passing the DREAM ACT of 2017 so that DREAMERS can move away from the nightmare of uncertainty that plagues them in this moment.
We believe, among other things, that “Education must respond to the developmental needs of students, and focus on their social, emotional, intellectual, cognitive, cultural and physical development.” As progressive educators, we find ourselves in a moment where our students are fearful of losing their chance to continue their education; regardless of their immigration status, we have students who are are fearful of losing friends and classmates who have only known one school, one town, one community. As progressive educators, we are in a moment where we must advocate for our students by advocating for policy that will protect them. Take steps today using the resources below.
Thank you.
UnitedWeDream.org & WeAreHereToStay.org are two youth- propelled groups that have plenty of tools to help you raise your voice in support of students. You can also call your legislators; find them by using this tool, which allows you to search by zip code.
PEN is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment in all of our activities and operations. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ability, marital status, military status or sexual orientation.