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Kids should not fear school attendance

2 min read

To the editor:

An Open Letter to Superintendent Carlin, School Board Members and Attorney Bruno,

As leaders of public education in Lee County you must be as concerned as we are about the possibility that ICE will be allowed into our schools to remove “certain” students. Not only will this terrorize all students and their families but will also put all staff and educators in the untenable position of being in the middle of a police action in what is supposed to be a safe place for everyone. Even the threat of ICE coming into the schools will keep many, many students at home, missing out on more teaching and learning, further undermining their education and long-term potential for success. No parent, guardian or compassionate community member wants students to live in fear while at school.

As Lee County’s duly elected officials we call on you to speak directly to the Governor and the Legislators during the upcoming “special” legislative session and afterwards to let them know, with all the power and influence you have, what a disaster ICE coming in to any school building would be for our students, families, educators and staff. If students don’t feel safe and protected they can’t learn; if staff and educators don’t feel supported they can’t teach.

Thank you for doing all you can to support the freedom of our students, parents, educators and staff to be safe in the Lee County Schools.

Respectfully,

Samuel B Stewart, Ed.D

Madelon V Stewart, Ed.D

Fort Myers