Fears of Immigration Raids Keep Students Home in Peoria Schools
Fears of immigration raids in Peoria have led to significant absenteeism among English-learning students. School officials emphasize their commitment to a Safe Haven Policy to protect students.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) -- Fears about immigration raids in local schools continue to keep hundreds of children at home.
On average, 200 students whose second language is English stayed home from Peoria Public Schools this past Wednesday (253 students), Thursday (198 students) and Friday (140 students), according to PPS spokesperson Marjorie Kauth. That's about 14% of 1,453 English learning students who are not showing up across the school district.
"It makes me feel very, very sad. I'm like, why do we have to? Like, how did we end up in this place? The kids aren't criminals. They're just little children trying to be educated," said PPS Superintendent Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat.
Kherat said parents are worried their kids will be snatched from school. Her heart breaks for families who are scared during these uncertain times.
Peoria Public Schools reaffirms 'safe haven' policy amid immigration deportation raid fears
"It's a very close knit community. They have a very close relationship with the teachers, and the teachers protect them. So I'm hoping the teachers can also continue to reach out to them to let them know that we are truly a safe haven," she said.
On Thursday, the school board reaffirmed its commitment to its Safe Haven Policy adopted in 2017. This means school employees will refuse access to agents enforcing immigration laws, except in certain situations.
