The Columbus Education Association (CEA) and Hilliard Education Association (HEA) released statements this week condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity near schools and vowing to protect students.
The statements also said ICE’s activity near schools intimidates and threatens students.
“We're concerned about the safety of our kids, our students. Teachers are charged with making sure that we educate all kids,” said John Coneglio, president of the CEA. “We have to legally educate everybody that comes in our door, regardless of immigration status.”
Coneglio added that ICE activity near schools in Columbus caused a drop in attendance at nearby schools.
“These kids, our students, are not coming to school out of fear and it's just not right,” Coneglio said.
The statement from the CEA also referenced the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minnesota. That shooting happened near a school.
Hilliard’s statement mentioned the removal of federal policy by the Trump administration that protected schools, bus stops and childcare centers as “sensitive” locations, which prohibited ICE arrests, interviews and searches.
“As educators, we have accepted the responsibility of protecting every single student, without exception, and have a professional and moral responsibility to create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where all children can learn and thrive,” said HEA President Linna Johnson in the union's statement.
HEA’s statement also called on their Board of Education to oppose ICE action in and near schools.
