Chicago School Board Urges Virtual Learning Amid Immigration Fears

URGENT UPDATE: Chicago school board members are calling for immediate action to support immigrant families amid escalating fears from federal immigration raids. During a passionate meeting on October 12, 2023, board members urged the district to implement virtual learning options to protect students who are anxious about their safety.

The discussion follows alarming reports of aggressive immigration enforcement in the city, including incidents where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have used tear gas near schools. Board member Emma Lozano emphasized the crisis, stating, “This is an emergency right now.” She called on district officials to approach Governor JB Pritzker about declaring an emergency to facilitate a shift to remote learning.

The district is already under pressure, with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Macquline King noting that families are living in fear, impacting attendance and overall well-being. Although overall school attendance remains stable at approximately 92%, there are noticeable declines in predominantly Latino neighborhoods, with some schools reporting drops of up to 7%.

During the meeting, student board member Destiny Singleton broke down in tears, revealing that students are warning each other about ICE presence through social media and text chains. “We are terrified,” she said, highlighting the emotional toll on children.

In response to these mounting concerns, CPS has established a command center to address enforcement-related issues, meeting twice daily to triage requests for assistance from schools. King praised school principals, who have taken on the role of “school protectors,” ensuring student safety while juggling multiple responsibilities.

Board members are pushing for more measures, including clearer signage around schools and earlier drop-off times for families wary of encountering immigration agents. The district is also exploring the expansion of its Virtual Academy, which currently serves students with significant health issues or disabilities.

While the call for virtual learning intensifies, CPS officials stress that such a shift requires state approval. King reiterated, “As a district, CPS does not have the authority to call remote learning.” Despite this limitation, board member Karen Zaccor urged the district to heed the requests from concerned families and explore all options.

The situation remains critical as community leaders report that about 30 schools have gone on lockdown recently due to heightened immigration activity. Local advocates have noted a significant, yet not overwhelming, demand for online learning alternatives, indicating a complex intersection of safety, education, and community trust.

As developments unfold, the urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. The board’s next steps and the response from the state will be closely monitored as families continue to navigate this challenging environment.

Stay tuned for further updates as Chicago Public Schools address these pressing concerns head-on.