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| Youth Empowered in the Struggle and supporters rally before the vote. Credit: Joe Brusky |
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – On Thursday night, before a School Board meeting packed with students, teachers, and community supporters, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors voted 8-0 to approve a sanctuary district resolution. The resolution bars Immigration agents from school grounds and provides education workers with more tools to support immigrant and refugee students and their families. Youth Empowered in the Struggle, the student arm of Voces de la Frontera, led the campaign to pass the resolution, which was introduced by School Board members Tatiana Joseph and Larry Miller.
“I came to the United States in 2014 from Malaysia with my family as refugees,” said Farouk Rashid, 16, a student at South Division High School and member of Youth Empowered in the Struggle. “My family had many difficulties when we arrived in Milwaukee, but when I started going to South Division, I felt happy because I knew I would get an education and meet new people. I want my school to be a sanctuary because I want my immigrant and non-immigrant friends to be safe and sound.”
“In my life I have some high points I can feel good about, but I can say that this evening, and meeting with the students who supported this resolution, has had a powerful effect on me,” said School Board Member Wendell Harris. “I will fight for you and for the rights of undocumented people, in honor of the slaves who worked to help build this country.”
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Milwaukee, WI 53204-1734
United States
