Federal Way students are afraid of being deported.
It’s no secret President-elect Donald Trump touted controversial immigration policies during his campaign, but since his election, local students have heard murmurings in the classroom.
“They were talking about how in their classrooms that all of a sudden they’re hearing conversations and languages that made them feel like they didn’t belong,” said Superintendent Tammy Campbell at a Nov. 22 school board meeting.
Campbell had this discussion with students at a meeting with her Student Advisory to the Superintendent Committee, which has about 30 students. The meeting was to discuss recommendations for getting students on the board, but the conversation turned in the last 20 minutes.
“They said, ‘Can we talk about something else?’” Campbell said, referring to their request to discuss fears of deportation.
In an unanimous vote, the team agreed to discuss what it means to be a diverse member of the community.
And in response, the Federal Way Public Schools Board of Directors unanimously passed the Equitable and Inclusive Environment Proclamation on Nov. 22.
The proclamation, or Resolution 2016:16, states that the board is committed to providing and maintaining safe and healthy environments for learning so that students can “thrive, regardless of their background, language, race, sexual orientation, status or other exceptionalities.”
The proclamation asserts the district will unite against hate and discrimination and asks local officials, community-based organizations and community members to join in the effort.
“We are steadfast in our efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination, institutional racism and all ‘isms’ that diminish and undermine equitable outcomes for our scholars,” the proclamation reads. “Evidence of our commitment can be seen in our ENDS policy and our unequivocal support of our strategic plan that has equity woven throughout the goals and strategies.”
Board Vice President Claire Wilson introduced the proclamation, stating “it’s not about politics, it’s about being safe and having our kids be safe.”
“In my classroom, when I was a teacher, I had something on the wall that said, ‘Your silence breeds consent,’” Wilson said at the meeting. “And we’ve talked about not saying something when there’s something that’s an injustice, it’s just not the way we want to do things.”
District spokeswoman Kassie Swenson said the proclamation wasn’t in direct response to a specific school or incident, but is something that many districts in the region have adopted.
“The resolution by the Federal Way Public Schools’ Board of Directors was to provide assurance to students and parents in the community who have shared concerns following the recent election and the fear and uncertainty about how they may be impacted,” Swenson said. “This resolution reflects the ongoing commitment the Board of Education has towards an equitable education for Federal Way Public Schools’ scholars. Every day, our staff is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for our scholars and families.”
“This is yet another example of the close-working connection between the board, the superintendent and the district,” board member Liz Drake said of the proclamation. “I’m very proud.”
To read the proclamation in its entirety, click here.
