To ensure that all Philadelphia public schools are safe havens for immigrant students and families, the Board of Education will consider adopting \u201cThe Welcoming Sanctuary Schools\u201d Resolution at its June 24th action meeting.<\/p>\n
Proposed during Immigrant Heritage Month and developed in partnership with the community organization Juntos, this resolution is designed to ensure safe learning environments and to protect students\u2019 confidential information, which aligns with Philadelphia City Council\u2019s sanctuary schools resolution.<\/p>\n
\u201cSchools must be a place where all students feel welcomed, safe and affirmed,\u201d said Board Member Mallory Fix-Lopez. \u201cThis resolution is recommitting and further committing to just that. By assuring immigrant students and their families feel unconditionally safe in our schools, we are ensuring that they are given the opportunity to thrive and reach their fullest potential.\u201d<\/p>\n
This resolution reflects the Board\u2019s public commitment to providing safe and welcoming spaces where all students may learn and achieve, knowing the School District will support their safety and emotional well-being, regardless of their immigration status, national origin, race, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion or ability.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is important that the Board and School District ensure that all communities are welcomed and feel safe in our schools,\u201d said Board Vice President Leticia Egea-Hinton. \u201cThis resolution is a critical step as the Board moves forward with its Goals & Guardrails, and we appreciate the hard work of advocates, City Council, the Mayor\u2019s office, Board Members and School District staff who helped develop it.\u201d<\/p>\n
To ensure students\u2019 learning environments are not disrupted by immigration enforcement actions, the resolution states:<\/p>\n
“The Juntos community celebrates the introduction of the Welcoming Sanctuary Schools Resolution as the first step towards meaningfully safeguarding all families from immigration enforcement,\u201d said Erika Guadalupe Nunez, Juntos Executive Director.\u00a0 \u201cWe thank the School District of Philadelphia for acknowledging our community’s vision for Sanctuary Schools and for recognizing our critical work to ensure immigrant families feel supported and secure within the district.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
To ensure that all Philadelphia public schools are safe havens for immigrant students and families, the Board of Education will consider adopting \u201cThe Welcoming Sanctuary Schools\u201d Resolution at its June 24th action meeting. Proposed during Immigrant Heritage Month and developed in partnership with the community organization Juntos, this resolution is designed to ensure safe learning… <\/p>\n