The Hilliard Education Association believes all students have a constitutionally protected right to a public education. Therefore, all children in the U.S., including undocumented children, have a legal right to attend public school regardless of immigration status. Further, schools should create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. Some policies regarding the treatment of immigrants, whether proposed or currently in practice, are sending a message that undocumented immigrant children, many of whom have lived here so long they can only remember living in the U.S., do not deserve an education, are not worthy of being our children’s friends, classmates, and teammates, and should not have the opportunity to thrive. Excluding these children from school violates the values we strive to live by as a country, such as protecting children, building strong communities and families, and fairness.
HEA believes that schools, houses of worship, and other community connection points should be off-limits for immigration enforcement. HEA acknowledges that people relocate, whether for freedom, safety, opportunity, or a mix of both, every day. And immigrants are beloved members of Ohio families and communities. Ohio is their home. Our state is made better, stronger and more vibrant by the countless contributions of immigrants and refugees. No one should be stopped and questioned about their immigration status while driving, working, taking their kids to school, worshipping, volunteering, or participating in community activities. Racial profiling is illegal and HEA loudly denounces racial profiling, hate crimes, and harassment. It doesn’t matter if you are an individual or a government agency, no one should question, insult, or attack someone based on the way they look, dress, speak, or worship.
The Hilliard Education Association believes we have a professional and moral responsibility to keep our students safe. As educators, we have accepted the responsibility to protect our students, every single student, without exception, regardless of their immigration status. More importantly, our job is to provide an education that inspires their natural curiosity, imagination, and love of learning. We are growing tomorrow’s inventors, thinkers, artists, leaders, and, yes, educators! We remain committed to using our superpower as educators to ensure every public school is a safe space for every student, without exception, and to uphold the constitutionally protected right of all students to access a public education.
The Hilliard Education Association believes denying any child the opportunity to attend public school will ultimately hurt us all. Depriving any child of an opportunity to attend public school puts them at a disadvantage, making it difficult for them to gain the skills they need to contribute fully to society.
