“Today, I want to talk about something we all experience: uncertainty.”
That’s how Orange County School Board Member Wendy Padilla prefaced some of her statement read during the Board of Education’s comment period of Monday’s meeting. She said with President Donald Trump’s administration rescinding the guidance to Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold off from immigration enforcement at sensitive locations, much of the local immigrant community is feeling uncertain. Uncertainty around their safety, futures and environments, including schools.
Moments later, the Orange County board unanimously passed a resolution to state how the school districts will continue to do what is best for their children and communities — the latest step the local schools have taken.
Padilla – who put together the board’s resolution alongside her colleague Sarah Smylie – promoted the importance of practicing good mental health and understanding. She also condemned any hurtful speculation or targeted comments.
“Bullying has no place in our lives,” Padilla said. “Orange County Schools will not tolerate any kind of bullying toward anyone. Words can hurt, but kindness has the power to heal. Let us commit to being a community that holds each other up, not tearing [each other] down. Together, we can face uncertainty, support each other, take care of our mental health, and create a safe environment ”
Symlie echoed those sentiments and added while many aspects of Trump’s administration could affect the broader Orange County community, many of the funding cuts will impact the community members who have the biggest needs. With each school having so much potential within its walls, she said it’s key to ensure both students and staff feel like their environments are not interrupted by the federal changes.
“In many cases, the biggest threats are to the members of our community who have historically had to be the most resilient in the face of discrimination and oppression,” said Smylie. “Our students and families deserve better, and while we can’t control everything that happens in Washington [D.C.], I believe we can do a lot to create a community of care, support, and thriving in each of our schools.”
Several other board members – Carrie Doyle, Bonnie Hauser, Will Atherton and Board Chair Anne Purcell – each added their own thoughts to the discussion before passing the resolution. Atherton said from visiting school meetings and gatherings to discuss immigration enforcement, he found it “very reassuring” to see the Orange County community coming together to share resources and tell people their collective worries.
“It’s very concerning to me when a student is scared to go to school, Atherton added. “It should be the safest place they feel, and know they belong, and have something to look forward to.”
Before the vote, Purcell said she too has heard from many district members and pointed to Monday’s resolution as a collaborative solution to “try to help calm those fears.” The measure states Orange County Schools’ commitment to welcoming students of all backgrounds, partnering with community organizations to provide resources with families, monitoring relevant student attendance data and minimizing disruptions to the learning environment.
“I think this board has one thing in mind,” said Purcell, “and that is the students we have in our buildings every day: keeping them safe, keeping them happy, and keeping them learning. The rest of the world is out there, but we’re going to concentrate on our kids – and our teachers, and helping them being supportive to those children.
“The community has come together and you hear it loud and clear,” she concluded.
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education has yet to pass a specific resolution stating its support — but district leaders shared a message to all families and students on Jan. 29 reaffirming their commitment to building “a school community rooted in equity, compassion and joy.” Superintendent Nyah Hamlett, Board of Education Chair George Griffin and Vice Chair Riza Jenkins wrote:
“Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools stands united in support of all our students and their families, regardless of immigration status. Today and every day, our schools remain safe, welcoming and inclusive places where every child has the right to learn, grow and thrive without fear. That said, we recognize the immense courage it takes for many families to send their children to school amid the current concerns. These concerns are deeply felt throughout our schools, impacting not only individuals, but also the collective sense of safety and security that is essential for learning.
“We believe it is comforting and supportive at this time to share that CHCCS believes education is a fundamental, constitutional right, and that no child should be denied access because of their family’s immigration status. CHCCS neither asks for nor maintains records of students’ immigration status, and federal and state laws protect student information against disclosure to others.
“While here in our care, students will continue to be supported academically, socially and emotionally. To our families, we are here to support you as well. If you have concerns or need assistance, please reach out in confidence to your school principal, school counselor, social worker, mental health specialist or other trusted adult. We can connect you with local resources and community organizations that stand ready to offer additional support.”
The full Orange County Schools resolution can be found here.
Featured photo via Orange County Schools.
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