Minnesota educators strive to make schools safe and welcoming, despite latest attack on immigrants

For more information, contact:
Chris Williams
651-292-4816 (work)
651-247-5539 (cell)

Megan Boldt
651-292-4818 (work)
651-245-9163 (cell)

ST. PAUL, Minn. Sept. 5, 2017 – "Students can’t learn when they’re terrified they will never see their families or their friends again, but that’s how this school year is starting for thousands of children in Minnesota schools,” said Education Minnesota President Denise Specht. “These are the children of undocumented parents. It is indefensible that President Trump ended the DACA program, which has allowed hundreds of thousands of immigrants to live, study and work in the United States without fear.

“Let’s be clear. Even though DACA has been repealed, all students have the right to a free public education, regardless of immigration status. Public schools are for everyone and educators will always support our students. We cannot sit on the sidelines and allow systems rooted in bigotry and hate to continue.  

“Protection for Dreamers has bipartisan support. It is time for Congress and the president to stop playing politics and instead protect the people who have been contributing to their schools and communities, and focus on reforming our immigration system in a way that keeps families together.”

Here are some ways you can help support DACA recipients:

• Attend a rally supporting immigrants and DACA recipients from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 5 at 2200 E. Franklin Ave. in Minneapolis.
• Show your support on social media or call members of Congress and tell them to put pressure on the president to keep the program intact while they work on a permanent legislative solution.
• Write a letter urging Congress to pass the Dream Act.
• Click here and here for resources to support DREAMers as an educator.  

About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.