From Awareness to Action: Educators in Solidarity with Undocumented Communities

Session Type: Paper Session

Abstract

This invited Division K VP Session brings together four scholars whose research centers undocumented youth and the educators who support them. Drawing on studies of legal exclusion, racial battle fatigue, sociopolitical awareness, and transformative praxis, panelists explore how educators can move beyond symbolic gestures to enact meaningful allyship. Their work highlights the psychological toll of immigration status, the importance of local contexts and school agents, and the need to challenge dominant narratives that marginalize undocumented students. Through examples of strategic empathy, acompañamiento, and community-based inquiry, the panel offers insights into how educators can foster affirming, justice-oriented spaces. Participants will gain tools to support undocumented students as agents of change, while reimagining schools as sites of resistance, care, and collective transformation.

Sub Unit

• Division K - Teaching and Teacher Education

Chair

• Christian A. Bracho, California State University - Long Beach

Papers

• From Awareness to Action: Educators in Solidarity with Undocumented Communities - Daysi X. Diaz-Strong, University of Illinois at Chicago

• From Awareness to Action - Timothy Monreal, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Educators in Solidarity with Undocumented Communities - Blanca Elizabeth Vega, Montclair State University

• Educators in Solidarity with Undocumented Communities: From Awareness to Action - Oscar Navarro, California State University - Long Beach

Session Organizer

• Nicol R. Howard, Chapman University

Discussant

• Arturo Anaya Servin, University of San Diego