Chicago School Board Urges Virtual Learning Amid Immigration Fears

UPDATE: Chicago school board members are urgently calling for virtual learning options for immigrant families as fears rise due to aggressive federal immigration raids. This discussion unfolded during the board’s regular meeting on October 12, 2023, as officials expressed deep concerns about the safety and well-being of students in the district.

With reports of heightened immigration enforcement, including tear gas incidents near schools, board member Emma Lozano emphasized, “This is an emergency right now.” She urged district leaders to approach Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to consider an emergency declaration, which would allow a shift to remote learning.

At the meeting, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Macquline King stated the district cannot transition to virtual learning without state approval. Nonetheless, the urgency was palpable as board members and educators highlighted the emotional toll on students who fear returning home to find their parents missing.

“We need to work this out because our children are totally frightened they’ll come home and not find their parents there,” Lozano added.

The district has established a 24-hour command center to address concerns related to immigration enforcement. While overall attendance remains stable at around 92%, Latino students and English learners have seen slight declines, with some predominantly Latino neighborhoods reporting drops of up to 7%.

During the meeting, Destiny Singleton, the board’s honorary student member, broke down in tears as she revealed how students are sharing alerts about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities on social media. “I feel we shouldn’t have to do this because we are children,” she said. “We are terrified.”

In recent weeks, Operation Midway Blitz has intensified immigration raids in Chicago, leading to alarming confrontations, including armed agents entering residential buildings near schools. Reports of such actions have heightened anxiety among families, prompting school principals to communicate directly with communities about safety concerns.

In response, board members are advocating for additional safety measures, such as increased signage at schools and earlier drop-off times for students. They are also evaluating the feasibility of allowing families to return to school after pickup to avoid potential encounters with immigration agents.

Despite the calls for virtual learning, CPS officials indicate that logistical challenges, including access to technology and childcare, may hinder a smooth transition. Board member Karen Zaccor stressed the need to heed family requests for virtual options, emphasizing that “increasingly, we are hearing from our families a desire to have that as an option.”

King acknowledged these discussions but reiterated that CPS lacks the authority to implement remote learning independently. “As a district, CPS does not have the authority to call remote learning,” she stated. However, she noted that CPS principals have proactively assumed the role of “school protectors,” vowing to support families amid this crisis.

The situation remains fluid as CPS continues to respond to immigration-related challenges. Advocates are closely monitoring the community’s needs, with some families expressing interest in online learning opportunities. Patrick Brosnan, head of the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, remarked on the district’s proactive measures, stating, “It’s been impressive to see the district respond.”

As the board convenes for further discussions, the urgency for solutions that prioritize the safety and educational needs of immigrant families is paramount. With escalating fears surrounding immigration enforcement, the call for virtual learning could reshape how Chicago Public Schools approach education in the coming weeks.