Boston Teachers Union hosts ‘Unafraid Educators’ Immigrant Pride Week of Action
Solidarity standouts set for Friday, April 17 outside dozens of BPS facilities in support of Boston’s immigrant students and families
BOSTON, MA – Members of the Boston Teachers Union, Boston Public School students, and BPS families are coming together to raise their voices in support of immigrant rights. From Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17, the union and its supporters will be hosting a week’s worth of events, including a Know Your Rights workshop and standout rallies in support of Boston immigrant students and their families.
WHEN: Unafraid Educators Week: Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17
Immigrant support standout rallies set for Friday, April 17 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., specific times for each school listed below
WHERE: Immigrant support standout rallies happening at dozens of schools across the district on Friday, including:
Dudley Street Neighborhood Charter School, 6 Shirley St, Roxbury, MA 02119 – 8:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
Sarah Roberts Elementary School, 105 Cummins Hwy, Roslindale, MA 02131 – 8:45 a.m. to 9 a.m.
WHO: Members of the Boston Teachers Union, Boston Teachers Union leadership, community allies, students, and families in support.
WHAT: The Boston Teachers Union will host the ‘Unafraid Educators’ Immigrant Pride Week of Action, bringing together educators, students, parents, and community allies to call for fair treatment and justice for immigrant students and their families.
WHY: The Boston Teachers Union has remained vocal that Boston schools must be places of safety, stability, and belonging for every child. The union and its members have continually raised concerns that children cannot learn when they are scared to come to school, worried that a loved one might disappear, or afraid that their classroom could become a site of disruption rather than learning. The week of action calls on Boston educators and supporters to vocally support immigrant students and families.
“The BTU remains committed to ensuring every student learns in a safe, well-resourced, and inclusive environment. That means free from fear,” said Erik Berg, President of the Boston Teachers Union. “This week is about empowering educators and supporters to fight together for our immigrant community.”
FULL ‘UNAFRAID EDUCATORS’ WEEK SCHEDULE:
Monday, April 13
BTU is encouraging members and supporters to choose a read-aloud book from our Book List and pledge to wear a BTU Blue shirt or an Unafraid Shirt on Tuesday.
Tuesday, April 14
BTU members are planning to wear BTU Blue shirts or an Unafraid Shirt and are encouraged to fill out the “I am an Unafraid Educator” pledge and post it in their classroom.
Wednesday, April 15
The ACLU and BTU are partnering together on a workshop at the BTU Union Hall at 5 p.m., along with encouraging support to help fund the Unafraid Scholarship, an initiative to support immigrant students in their pursuit of higher education.
Thursday, April 16
The BTU will be hosting a social and fundraiser at the Haven (284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain) on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with all proceeds going to the Unafraid Scholarship fund. Members and supporters are also encouraged to sign the LUCE Court Petition to protect our communities from ICE in Massachusetts courts.
Friday, April 17
Solidarity standouts are planned for the morning to show support for BPS immigrant students and families.
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About the Boston Teachers Union
The Boston Teachers Union proudly represents more than 10,000 teachers and other professionals including school nurses, psychologists, guidance counselors, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers. Together, we advocate for the interests of students, parents, and education professionals throughout Boston.
We support investment in public education to ensure a stronger future for our students and our city. As a union of educators, we are part of a movement that seeks to improve the quality of life for all working people.
We are united against all forms of prejudice and bigotry that would seek to devalue the lives or liberties of our students, families or colleagues.