The administration's DACA decision is the latest in a string of decisions that ultimately harm the nation's interests. With the pardoning of Sheriff Joe Arpaio, executive order attacks on the Affordable Care Act, declaring war on sanctuary cities, and failure to condemn the white supremacist-driven murder and violence in Charlottesville, this administration is halting all progress toward an equitable society, a thriving society, a society of high global standing. 

 

Our children stand to lose the most. DACA provides children, our most vulnerable and precious souls, with the opportunity to step into the world and out of the shadows. Since DACA's inception in 2012, nearly one million Dreamers have been attending school, paying taxes, growing families, nurturing friendships, and contributing to the rich American fabric. To take that away now is to deprive people who were brought to this country as children of their connection to what has become their home. It is also to deprive all of us of the worldview and wisdom that come from living, working, and learning in communities that are reflective of what this world offers. 

Schools now must be places of true sanctuary. They have to call in reinforcements, experts with backgrounds in psychology and mental health, social work, and trauma so that they can protect young people from the forces of evil that are bearing down on them and their families. Now is a time that schools also must strongly consider the role that law enforcement play in their buildings. Law enforcement officers' first responsibility, their 'client,' is the state. This is unlike teachers, school nurses, and school social work providers, whose primary focus is the well-being of the students. 

In this time of fear and uncertainty, schools are the front line of protection for the nation's youth. Far too often, for Black and Brown children, protection in schools does not include law enforcement. Our community partners are working all across the country to help improve school environments. We welcome school administrators, teachers, and other educators to contact us so that we might put you in touch with grassroots organizers in your area who can help you to ensure that your young people are safe from all harm. 

And, we welcome all of you, our friends and supporters, to join us on Friday, October 6, when the Communities for Just Schools Fund will reveal its new strategic plan at a launch event and celebration at Google NYC. Details are below. Our strategic plan includes our approach to capacity-building and technical assistance supports to grassroots organizing groups so that they can help create education environments that are places of sanctuary for every single child. 

Please stay tuned for information about a national conversation on race and education that CJSF will kick off with its community partners on October 23 in New Orleans.