Student Leaders in Morton District Urge School District to Do More for Immigrant Students
The Morton District 201 is a predominantly Latino district, where nearly 91% of students are Latinx and 36% are English language learners. However, students say that the school district has not been doing enough to support them.
Students claim that their fears about immigration activity in the area have been minimized by administrators, despite the fact that their community is particularly vulnerable. They point to a recent email from Superintendent Michael Kuzniewski, which some interpreted as downplaying the concerns of the community.
The students also express frustration with the lack of support from the school district, saying they feel like they are not being protected. Some have even reported experiencing harassment from immigration officials at their schools.
One student, Izela Bustos, a senior at Morton East High School, said that she feels like her concerns and those of her peers are being ignored. "Me siento como si no estuvieran abogando por nosotros," she said. "En su lugar, nos están menospreciando y tratando de silenciarnos."
In response to the students' demands for more support, a group of parents organized a protest at the school district's headquarters on October 11. The event drew hundreds of students and community members who came out to demand action from the school district.
Superintendent Kuzniewski has since acknowledged the concerns of the community and released a statement emphasizing his commitment to supporting all students, regardless of their immigration status. However, some critics say that his message was too little, too late.
The Morton District 201 is just one example of a growing trend in schools across the country where immigrant students are being subjected to harassment and intimidation by immigration officials. As the debate over immigration policy continues, student leaders like Izela Bustos and Yocelyn García are sounding the alarm about the need for greater support and protection for these vulnerable students.
"We have to advocate for ourselves," said García. "Our families and our community are not being represented."
The Morton District 201 is a predominantly Latino district, where nearly 91% of students are Latinx and 36% are English language learners. However, students say that the school district has not been doing enough to support them.
Students claim that their fears about immigration activity in the area have been minimized by administrators, despite the fact that their community is particularly vulnerable. They point to a recent email from Superintendent Michael Kuzniewski, which some interpreted as downplaying the concerns of the community.
The students also express frustration with the lack of support from the school district, saying they feel like they are not being protected. Some have even reported experiencing harassment from immigration officials at their schools.
One student, Izela Bustos, a senior at Morton East High School, said that she feels like her concerns and those of her peers are being ignored. "Me siento como si no estuvieran abogando por nosotros," she said. "En su lugar, nos están menospreciando y tratando de silenciarnos."
In response to the students' demands for more support, a group of parents organized a protest at the school district's headquarters on October 11. The event drew hundreds of students and community members who came out to demand action from the school district.
Superintendent Kuzniewski has since acknowledged the concerns of the community and released a statement emphasizing his commitment to supporting all students, regardless of their immigration status. However, some critics say that his message was too little, too late.
The Morton District 201 is just one example of a growing trend in schools across the country where immigrant students are being subjected to harassment and intimidation by immigration officials. As the debate over immigration policy continues, student leaders like Izela Bustos and Yocelyn García are sounding the alarm about the need for greater support and protection for these vulnerable students.
"We have to advocate for ourselves," said García. "Our families and our community are not being represented."
. I mean, 91% of the students in that district are Latinx and 36% are English language learners - it's like, how can anyone expect them to feel safe? The fact that administrators are downplaying their concerns is just not right 
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. Those kids have every right to be protected and supported by their school district. It's not like they're asking for much - just a safe space to learn and grow without fear of deportation or harm 
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. And I hope Superintendent Kuzniewski is taking these concerns seriously, because "too little, too late" just isn't going to cut it this time 
. We need real action now, not just empty promises 
.
I think it's disconcerting that the school district isn't taking the concerns of the immigrant students more seriously, considering the Morton District is already 91% Latinx. It's like they're perpetuating a culture of fear among these kids. 
The students' right to be protected and represented should be a top priority. We can't just silence them or make them feel like their concerns are being ignored. 
, you know how they always have the best Korean BBQ tacos? I'm totally craving those now, I wonder if they'll be at the festival next month 
. But anyway, back to this story... I feel bad for these students who are going through so much stress and fear because of their immigration status. Can you imagine having to worry about that every day? It's like, shouldn't we just focus on making sure everyone has a good education and support system? Like, let's get those tacos first 
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. The fact that students in Morton District 201 are still experiencing harassment from immigration officials despite the superintendent's statement shows us that we need more concrete action than just empty words 
. We need policies in place to protect these kids, not just a message of support 
. And what about the lack of representation for immigrant families in the school district? It's unacceptable 
. We need to amplify the voices of students like Izela and Yocelyn who are fighting for their rights and demanding better from their schools 
.
. superintendent kuzniewski's email was SO sus...like, he's supposed 2 b helpin but instead hes tryna downplay da concerns of da community? 
. gotta give izela & yocelyn props 4 speakin up & demandin change 
. superintendents need 2 listen 2 da students n community, not just try 2 placate them 
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. It's not about being loud or causing a scene, it's about having a voice and knowing you're not alone.
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. I mean, he already apologized and released a statement saying he'll support all students... that's kinda like saying sorry and doing nothing right? 
. Those officials should be more understanding and supportive, not trying to silence them or minimize their fears 
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they deserve so much better from their school district, you know? schools should be safe spaces for everyone, regardless of their background or immigration status 
and i think its super important that student leaders like Izela and Yocelyn are speaking up and demanding change 