Moreno: Executive actions threaten safety and stability of students, families and public schools

In just the first days since the inauguration, the new presidential administration has already taken executive actions that threaten the safety and stability of students, families and public schools.

These actions create a dangerous climate of fear and chaos that could harm millions of children and families in U.S. public schools.

Some actions specifically target immigrant families and students, including removing limits on enforcement intrusion into schools, places of worship, and other spaces seen as “sensitive locations” because of the foundational role they play in our communities.

Other executive actions target diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, the LGBTQ+ community and trans youth, and important programs for women, poor, Native American, AAPI, Black, and Latino people across the country.

Many of these actions are creating fear and confusion and will shift the functioning of federal agencies in very direct ways.

But executive actions cannot change the core protections guaranteed to every student by our Constitution and laws – including, and critically, the right to attend public school.

IDRA believes in the inherent value of all children, the power and promise of public education as a critical public good, and the right of every child to attend an excellent public school that prepares all students to succeed in college and life.

As the nation transitions to a new presidential administration and Congress, IDRA will continue to pursue a vision for public education that values the academic and social well-being of all students, particularly those who are disproportionately impacted by harmful education policies and practices, including Black and Latino children, emergent bilingual students, immigrant students, and poor students.

We stand on the shoulders of those who taught us that building power requires us to recharge our spirit and draw courage from our communities.

As we remember how far we have come, we must boldly do the work our democracy requires to create an inclusive and high-quality education for all young people.

Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by Celina Moreno, president and CEO of the Intercultural Development Research Association. 

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