Madison Schools to Close Due to Teacher Participation in Immigration Protest
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) will be closed on Friday as a significant number of teachers have opted not to work in support of a pro-immigration demonstration. According to Madison Teachers, Inc., the union representing the educators, 70% of its members plan to participate in what has been termed “Immigrant Free Day.” This initiative aligns with the nationwide Mayday Strong Action Day.
The union expressed concern over the heightened anxiety among students, stating that many are experiencing increased absenteeism and difficulty concentrating in school. “They fear that ICE agents will come and pick them up, as well as their parents and friends,” the union noted, emphasizing that such burdens are not ones children should have to bear. The statement further pointed out that students should focus on learning rather than worrying about family separation.
MMSD officials evaluated multiple factors leading up to Friday’s closure decision. They concluded that low staff turnout would pose a safety risk for students and thus decided to cancel classes. District spokeswoman Edel Fiedler acknowledged the potential disruption to family routines and expressed appreciation for the community’s understanding in this matter.
Fiedler noted that the district historically closed schools during protests, referencing a four-day closure in 2011 linked to demonstrations against former Governor Scott Walker’s policies. She highlighted the varied responses from parents regarding the latest closure announcement, an expectation consistent with the values of the Madison community.
Even with the cancellation of classes, the district assures that students’ educational needs will still be met, as the hours missed will align with Department of Public Education requirements, and no makeup days will be necessary. Employees will treat this day as an emergency closure, similar to a snow day.
Milwaukee Public Schools Teachers to Join Immigration Rally
In Milwaukee, public schools are set to close on Thursday and Friday due to pre-scheduled professional development days, according to spokesman Steven Davis. Meanwhile, Voces de la Frontera is organizing rallies and marches in both Madison and Milwaukee.
Luis Velazquez, the organizing director for Voces de la Frontera, indicated that teachers from both the Milwaukee Teachers Union and Madison’s educational institutions plan to participate in these events. This year’s rallies will feature marches to key locations, including the federal building in downtown Milwaukee and the state capitol in Madison.
The objectives of the marches include calls to end federal practices that enable Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to collaborate with local law enforcement in immigration enforcement. Velazquez emphasized the importance of creating a community where individuals can live without fear and anxiety regarding their immigration status.
Wider support is evident throughout Wisconsin, as the National Education Association has reported several additional events planned, accompanied by an interactive map detailing their locations. Schools in multiple districts across the nation, including at least nine in North Carolina, are also taking similar measures, with some, like Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, reporting that over 1,800 staff members would not attend classes on Friday.
In Chicago, a different approach was taken as Chicago Public Schools, in collaboration with the Chicago Teachers Union, announced that schools would remain open. Instead, they arranged for transportation to various educational events tied to pro-labor initiatives, allowing students to participate in an enriching out-of-class experience.
