As Nativism, xenophobia, and general distrust of people that are different becomes more pronounced (not new, just more in plain view) in our country, it is understandable that anxiety for those who are currently the target of these attitudes and the subsequent policies would be high. Some of our families are afraid. They are afraid of being arrested, deported, attacked, excluded, and more.
The community support in favor of DISD making a commitment to welcome and include all families and students was encouraging. Anything people are willing to show up and sit through the lengthy meetings/briefings for the benefit of their fellow person, we shoudl all be proud.
The experience of an undocumented child in school is uniquely different from others. In a previous podcast, I talked to one of my best friends about his experience growing up undocumented and how it impacted his life. Why is it so important that DISD stay inclusive and welcoming? Living in fear affects learning and student achievement, sure, but many of our young people that are undocumented are here because they were brought here, not because they chose to be here. This is the only place that they know. Our public school system has made a promise to ensure education for everyone, without exception. 9 of 10 students in our country are actively depending on that promise. All of our children are worthy and deserving of our attention and investment. This let's them know that we mean it.
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