In the streets of the center of Los Angeles, teachers United Los Angeles gathered on Saturday outside the headquarters of Los Angeles, Lausd, and called for stronger protection for students and families exposed to the enforcement of federal immigration.
“We will not back down,” speakers all over the gathering were repeated, as teachers, advisers, nurses and librarians demanded that he take additional steps to protect uncomfortable students and their impact on deportation.
While the LaUSD Council voted in June to reaffirm all universities in the province as a haven space, members of the union say these measures are not going out enough. UTLA requires concrete procedures, including the virtual learning option for students who are very afraid of their presence, expanded consulting services for students who have detained family members or who have been deported, and more stringent restrictions on the presence of federal agents near the school campus.
One of the speakers said: “We ask Los to prohibit any federal agent to come within a radius from the masses of any school.”
The teachers who witnessed the implications of the enforcement of immigration directly participated in personal experiences. Serena, a teacher at the Miguel Contreras Learning complex, said that she has already lost a student for her deportation and anxiety more.
“While I am preparing to return to school, I feel sad to think of more empty offices,” she said.
In response to the march on Saturday and the gathering, Losd issued a statement confirming his commitment to the safety of students.
“It is clear that Los Angeles is united and our work partners are united in our deep commitment to protect each student, including our immigrant children,” the statement said. “We will continue to take every necessary action to ensure that all children in Los Angeles are safe, support and learners – the rights guaranteed by the United States constitution. We will not give up our professional and moral responsibility. Every child in our care is protected. The rights of each child are supported.”
Lindsay Benia contributed to this report.