Winooski Considers Sanctuary School Policy to Protect Immigrant Students
Winooski school district is in the process of deliberating a groundbreaking “sanctuary school” policy designed to safeguard immigrant students and families in the wake of a looming second Donald Trump presidency. Superintendent Wilmer Chavarria has spearheaded the development of a draft policy aimed at curtailing immigration agents’ access to school premises and barring school staff from cooperating with immigration authorities. This initiative comes amidst mounting concerns from parents regarding the potential detainment and deportation of their children while at school.
A Policy of Inclusion and Safety
The proposed policy, outlined in a comprehensive six-page document shared by Chavarria, seeks to eliminate educational barriers based on immigration status and establish a secure environment for students and families grappling with apprehensions surrounding immigration enforcement efforts. Caitlin MacLeod-Bluver, a teacher at Winooski High School, has observed firsthand the distress experienced by students post-election, with some voicing relief over possessing legal documentation while expressing worry for undocumented peers and relatives.
Collaborative Efforts for a Brighter Future
The formulation of this policy has been a collaborative effort involving a volunteer task force comprising educators and advocacy organizations. Alyssa Chen, coalition coordinator for the Education Justice Coalition of Vermont, underscores the critical need for such a policy in light of heightened fears among immigrant students. Chen emphasizes the necessity of mitigating fear-induced disruptions to students’ academic pursuits in the face of uncertain times.
Prioritizing Student Well-being
Monica Nachemja-Bunton, a seasoned Vermont educator now affiliated with the Upper Valley Educators Institute, underscores the policy’s emphasis on nurturing the social and emotional welfare of students. Beyond restricting immigration agents’ presence on school grounds and prohibiting staff collaboration, the policy aims to limit information sharing and furnish immigrant students and families with resources pertaining to their legal rights.
Empowering Through Policy
Nachemja-Bunton stresses the transformative impact of enacting specific policies geared towards dispelling fear and fostering a supportive educational environment. By eradicating the looming specter of uncertainty, the policy seeks to cultivate a setting conducive to learning, devoid of the paralyzing effects of fear and apprehension.
As educators, activists, and community members rally behind this initiative, the collective goal remains clear: to fortify the educational ecosystem and ensure that every student, irrespective of immigration status, can thrive in an inclusive and secure learning environment. The sanctuary school policy stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Winooski community to champion the rights and well-being of all its members, fostering a culture of compassion, empathy, and resilience in the face of adversity.
