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NM CAFe Supports LCPS Board of Education Equitable and Safe Place Resolution

Commentary:   Las Cruces, NM—  Tuesday, December 6, the Las Cruces School Board unanimously passed the Resolution #2016-3 affirming the Board of Education’s “commitment to ensure that our schools are equitable and safe place for all students.” CAFe leaders were present at the meeting to support the resolution and ask the school board to consider other action steps to protect students. Since the election NM CAFe leaders and other community leaders concerned for children in the school district started organizing and exploring ways to protect students. The conversation was spurred by incidents experienced by parents and students within the CAFe network.

The resolution asserts the School District’s responsibility and commitment to provide public education where all students can learn and succeed regardless of immigration status or the immigration status of their families. The resolution reaffirms the school district’s responsibility to adhere to federal and state laws and constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination based on a multitude of diverse identities. Lastly the resolution acknowledges the fears and anxieties shared by many families in our community provoked by racial anxiety within the national political environment and racially driven incidents occurring locally and across the country and states that “it is the goal and commitment of the District to cultivate a safe and supportive learning environment for all, to embrace and value our diversity, and to act quickly to prevent and address any and all issues of discrimination and harassment in our schools.”

NM CAFe faith leaders and staff were present to give comment and support the Board of Education’s commitment to protecting students and creating a safe environment for all students. “We celebrate the Board of Education’s leadership in passing this resolution. Right now many families in our community feel targeted by President-Elect Trump’s policies and rhetoric. The Board of Education’s action demonstrates support and commitment to vulnerable children and families in our community,” said Sara Melton, organizer for CAFe.

“It was clear that the school board is willing to discuss other actions they can take to provide safe and secure learning environments for children who are vulnerable to harassment and bullying because of their immigration status as well as racial or religious identity,” commented Daisy Maldonado, faith leader with CAFe. She added, “We look forward to working together in the future to protect our children and the most vulnerable among us. As, that is what our faith calls us to live into.”

NM CAFe leaders call upon other institutions to use their power and influence to do the same. Organizer Sara Melton stated, “We urge other leaders and institutions in our community to pass similar resolutions and use their power to protect and stand with families of color and others targeted by President-Elect Trump. We specifically call upon City Council, the Board of County Commissioners, city and county law enforcement, and NMSU President Garrey Carruthers to take action by passing resolutions affirming their commitments to provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community for all.”