St. Paul, MN – Today, the Minnesota House Education Finance Committee held a public hearing to examine the impacts of recent federal immigration activity in Minnesota on student and school staff wellbeing. The committee, chaired by Rep. Cheryl Youakim (DFL – Hopkins), heard testimony from public schools across the state about how ICE activity has increased absenteeism, learning loss, trauma, and fear among students and staff.
“Our students, teachers, and communities deserve a stable learning environment,” said Chair Youakim. “Minnesota Democrats are investing in children and the quality education and resources they need to thrive. I hope this testimony from the people with boots on the ground gives some Republicans the wake-up call they need to understand the reality of living under a federal occupation. Our kids deserve better.”
Testimony from students, educators, and school staff collectively shared concerns around absenteeism, student mental health and safety, and educator and staff wellbeing.
In the week of January 12, following the detention of a student, Willmar Public Schools experienced a sharp spike in absences — roughly 936 students stayed home each day on average, peaking to 1,214 students in one day out of a total enrollment of 4,000- nearly 30%.
Dr. Bill Adams, who serves as the Superintendent of Wilmar Public School District, also testified that a staff member who was questioned about legal status on his way into school was deeply frightened. The educator lost vital instruction time after having to spend most of his morning with the school counselor to process the incident.
“When families hear about legal citizens being stopped from our doors, it directly explains the fear and the 1,200 absences we saw in one day,” he said.
A Minnesota teacher with 30 years of experience spoke about the dedication and integrity she has witnessed from immigrant students in her classroom — and to voice her fears that if those students are forced to stay home for their safety, the resulting drop in attendance could threaten school funding.
“I’ve had the privilege of teaching thousands of beautiful humans; do you know what the majority of them have said to me?” said Sandy Muellner with Saint Paul Public Schools. “All of them, a majority of them, are learning English and trying to graduate from high school in this great country. What do you want to do after high school? Most of them say ‘Help. Help others. Help my community.’
“I want a world where leaders answer that question the same way my students do,” she continued.
Full testimony from the hearing today can be found here.
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