The Sanctuary Schools Movement: Claiming Safe Spaces for Immigrant Students and Families

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

The Supreme Court's 1982 ruling in Pyler vs. Doe made it unconstitutional for States to deny public education to children based on their immigration status or their parents’ immigration status. However, recent immigration policies by the Trump administration have threatened the rights of undocumented families. In a time of great fear and uncertainty for undocumented and unaccompanied youth and their families, how are schools, educators, and community members serving protect vulnerable and marginalized families? What does it mean for schools and community organizations to resist recent executive immigration orders? What can teachers and teacher educators learn from the “safe schools” movement to develop preservice and inservice teachers into activists working on behalf of students and families that feel marginalized and voiceless?

Sub Unit

• Division K - Teaching and Teacher Education

Chair

• Vera J. Lee, Drexel University

Papers

• Claremont Graduate University's Allies of Dreamers Certificate Program - William Perez, Claremont University - Claremont Graduate University; Gloria Itzel Montiel, Claremont Graduate University

• Accomplice Educators: Supporting Immigrant Youth and Families in Schools - Oliver Cannell, Member of Teach Dream and Restorative Justice Coordinator at MS 839

• Undocumented Students Are More Than Success Stories - Denise Vivar, New York State Youth Leadership Council; Maria Vera, New York State Youth Leadership Council

Discussant

• Leigh Patel, University of California - Riverside