Thank you, Cathy, for bringing up this difficult topic. I feel that we are at another low point in our history as far as how we treat vulnerable people in our communities, especially people of color. After all, we were just told by government officials that only European refugees and immigrants are included in our own Statue of Liberty's welcome. I hope that if anyone knows of a united front that specifically includes ECE folks they post it here. We know as well as anyone and more than many the repercussions of these traumatic separations on children. As disheartened as I am I do take heart at the many protests that are occurring across the country.
Can the Peace Educators Forum also post to the main community?
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Aren Stone
Child Development Specialist
The Early Years Project
Cambridge, MA
she/her
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-14-2019 10:30 AM
From: Cathy Grace
Subject: ICE Raids
Most people would not think of Mississippi as a place where illegal immigrants are endangering the lives of citizens in small rural towns. Apparently, the Federal government does. Regardless of your politics around immigration reform, the real world consequences of raiding the work places of food processing plants last week and arresting workers as criminals has long lasting ramifications, not just for the families and towns, but for the country. The raids occurred on the first day of school, without advance warning to schools or child protective services. Parents were bused to undisclosed places with very little time to make calls to friends and relatives. About half of the 680 arrested are back at home under house arrest and without jobs. There is still no conclusive report on the whereabouts of all the children whose parents were involved.The plant owners involved in the raids have yet to be charged. What response do we make that will be heard?
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Cathy Grace
UM
Tupelo MS
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