On Friday, January 23, educators across Minnesota are taking part in a statewide day of action to demand that ICE stay away from schools. Let’s stand in solidarity with our Education Minnesota colleagues by wearing blue—a visible show of unity in defense of safe, welcoming schools for every student and educator.
Recent actions by ICE in Minnesota—including the shooting of a community member, the unjust detention of a Minnesota educator, and the use of pepper spray on students—are unconscionable in a civil society. ICE’s continued presence near schools puts students, educators, and families at serious risk and makes communities less safe. Schools must remain places where students can learn and educators can teach without fear.
Beyond the immediate physical danger, ICE activity near schools directly undermines teaching and learning. Schools have been placed on lockdown, districts have been forced to close for days, and classrooms across Minnesota sit partially empty as families keep children home out of fear. These disruptions rob students of learning time and cause lasting emotional harm—especially to our most vulnerable students.
“Educators know that schools must always be places of safety, belonging, and learning—not fear,” says CEA President Kate Dias. “I urge CEA members to stand with our colleagues in Minnesota and send a clear message: ICE has no place in or near our schools. When we stand together across state lines, we show our collective power and our shared commitment to protecting students and educators everywhere.”
This is not a partisan issue—it is a moral one. As educators, we share a responsibility to speak out when policies and actions harm students and disrupt learning communities.
How you can take action on January 23:
- Wear blue to show solidarity with Education Minnesota members
- Take a photo of yourself or with colleagues while wearing blue
- Share it on social media using the hashtag #ICEOutSchools and/or email it to [email protected]
Together, Connecticut educators can help amplify the call for safe schools and stand in solidarity with those demanding dignity, safety, and peace for every student and educator.
