Across the country, thousands of immigrant students and their families are facing fear of deportation as they enter schools. A Welcoming Schools Policy affirms a district's commitment to welcome all students regardless of immigration status, as required by federal law and sends a clear message to immigrant families that their rights are being protected and prioritized. See example: rac.org/samplepolicy.
"I thought school was a safe place for my children. But all that changed when all the raids and detentions started. I was very afraid to send my children to school so I kept my children home for a week. I was heartbroken because the reason I came to the U.S. was for my children have a better life - away from the violence of my home country where they could never go to school.
An interpreter from my school called me and told me that our District has new policies and a toolkit that explains how my children will be safe and welcomed and supported at school. Teachers also told me how they wanted to see my children in school with their friends. I sent my children back to school and I know my school will protect them and let them learn and grow." - K, immigrant mother in Philadelphia
This High Holiday season, RAC-PA is working with The Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition (PIC), of which HIAS is also a member, to send messages to our local school boards advocating for Welcoming Schools policies. The High Holidays are a time of reflection and action. We are commanded to "...love [the stranger] as yourself" (Leviticus 19:34). This year we have the opportunity to act together and take one more step in building the world we want, one in which all students can thrive.
