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Anti-immigrant legislation sparks summer of resistance for Texas educators

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Posted in: Education News, Immigration, Multimedia, NEA EdJustice Features, Rallies and Events, Texas

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In Texas, educators joined the summer of protest sparked by the introduction and passage of Senate Bill 4 (SB4) – which at its core is a racial profiling law meant to strike fear into communities of color across Texas. The bill which includes a “show me your papers” provision, permits police officers to question children about their immigration status, and mandates fines and jail time for elected and law enforcement officials who refuse to comply.

Protestors called on Governor Abbott to veto SB 4, calling it an anti-immigrant and anti-democracy piece of legislation. Abbott, who made anti-sanctuary city legislation an emergency item for the legislative session, saw his office at the State Insurance Building filled by May Day protesters. Protestors refused to leave in the evening and 23 were arrested. Despite the overwhelming opposition by the community, Governor Abbott signed the bill into law on Sunday, May 7th and it will go into effect September 1.

Educators joined a coalition which included community leaders, students, faith leaders, the city council members of the five largest cities, law enforcement officials and the Texas Association of Business as they committed to a summer of resistance for days of action like the one on May 29th.

Attacking our immigrant communities will result in economic disaster for Texas – much like what happened in Arizona after passing a similar anti-immigrant racial profiling law, SB 1070.

In an act of creative protest, teen girls hosted a quinceanera at the Capitol to show their opposition to the Sanctuary City ban on July 19th.

Cities across Texas joined together to file suit to block SB-4—because they know it will harm their communities, their local economies and public safety.

And moments of intense protest continued, when the Texas Attorney General sent a letter to the Trump Administration requesting that they rescind the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, or the he would file a lawsuit questioning its legality. Protesters showed up at the Capitol and 15 were arrested.

September 1st, when SB4 goes into effect, is days away, but educators and activists remain at the front of this fight to advocate in the best interests of their students, families and communities.

Join them and show your solidarity by saying NO to racism, discrimination, and hate in Texas and any other state. By adding your name here, you will receive updates on upcoming solidarity actions.

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Reader Comments

  1. Pray for quality education for ALL children. Also, pray for the hateful legislation that is being considered/passed throughout our nation. We were founded as a nation on humanistic values and I believe that they are stronger than hate.

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  2. If these students are here illegally and there is no consequence, then can people who are here legally break the law as well? For example, would it be perfectly fine to drive 15 miles over the posted speed limit, and not receive a speeding ticket? We ALL must follow the rule of law………..whether we like it or not. It is what it is.

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