BALTIMORE, MD – In an unanimous vote, the Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) Board of Education passed a resolution to affirm the rights of immigrant students and create a school culture free of fear. This immigrant victory was made possible thanks to the relentless efforts of students who swiftly struck back after a teacher threatened to call ICE on youth activists, in addition to their teachers, parents, and community allies.

“Students took to their hallways to protest, testified in front of the school board, met with their elected officials, and drove home this message: Hate has no home in Baltimore County,” said Crisaly de los Santos, CASA’s Central Maryland and Baltimore Director. “We thank Council Member Pumphrey for her leadership, immigrant students and parents, and the powerful teachers of TABCO for successfully ensuring that every student, no matter their immigration status, can concentrate on their studies and their future.”

The resolution, recommended by CASA and the Teachers Association of Baltimore County (TABCO), lays out the restrictions against accessing families, programs, resources, and information while conducting civil immigration enforcement. The resolution affirms that all students, regardless of immigration status, have equal access to a safe and supportive education, and that BCPS will uphold policies to prevent the use of school resources for immigration enforcement and limit staff and resources to strict legal procedures when interacting with ICE.  Soon a policy implementing the resolution will be adopted.

“TABCO is thrilled that the BCPS Board of Education passed a resolution affirming the need to keep our immigrant students safe. We look forward to continuing to work with CASA; there is still much to be done around the topic, and it will take us working together to serve our students,” said Cindy Sexton, TABCO President.

Speaking tonight in support of the resolution was Madeline, a high school student who shared with the Board that she was spending her 15th birthday with them that evening, rather than celebrating her quinceañera, because the issue was so important.

“Every student deserves to feel safe and focus on their future, without fear of being targeted because of their background,” testified Madeline.

Madeline’s mother, Griselda, was also in attendance for the vote. Griselda has three children in County schools; in addition to Madeline, her brothers Alex, age 11, and Angel who is 8.

According to Griselda: “Our children won’t be afraid in school, and this is the most important thing for parents sending our children off to learn. I am so happy and proud of the students that took action. In reality, this is a big change for Baltimore County – one that affects all of us, their friends that are not even immigrants, teachers, everyone.”

The room erupted in cheers after the vote came in, with dozens of CASA members, students, parents, and allies in support of the policy resolution. This policy is the direct result of the actions of a former Baltimore County school teacher who proactively offered to provide ICE with the information of students who participated in “Día sin inmigrantes,” a protest designed to illustrate the importance of immigrants in the U.S. 

###

With over 173,000 lifetime members across 46 US states, CASA is a national powerhouse organization building power and improving the quality of life in working-class: Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities. CASA creates change with its powerbuilding model blending human services, community organizing, and advocacy in order to serve the full spectrum of the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members. www.wearecasa.org