‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters you did it to me.’
~Matthew 25:40 (English Standard Version)
If you’re a parent or a teacher, you know that students are observant. On this Fourth of July, one must ask how to celebrate independence and the freedom that democracy affords. Many will still become citizens this Fourth of July, some rushing to do so. Sadly, there’s a cloud over America with deportations that break up families and scar children.
America has put away the welcome mat that so many relied on, and the Statue of Liberty has been portrayed as in tears. Freedom in America is now in question. For many, the country is no longer a beacon of hope. It’s a scary place where citizens laugh at the idea of immigrants being fed to alligators.
How will teachers teach? How will they explain the laughter over what is cruel?
Public schools have always been about bringing America’s children from different backgrounds together, helping them learn about one another, and working out their differences. From playing together during recess breaks to enlisting community team spirit for sports, public schools support America. They open their doors to all and are there to treat every child with dignity and respect.
Public schools are not perfect institutions, but they’re the best places we’ve got to effect change for bright futures and to help children learn.
It’s not only immigrants. It’s losing USAID, what’s happening in the Mideast, Gaza, Ukraine, and much more. But I’ll focus on what’s happening here in America.
How will teachers teach now when so many Americans choose to be hateful over caring for their fellow people? How will churches teach? Children learn from what adults, especially those who wear crosses, do, watching all the time.
How does one teach children to love their neighbor as themselves, unless they’re an immigrant? Public schools should not be about religion because there are many beliefs in America. But our public schools are supposed to be a great American family, sharing the joy of watching our children learn and grow together. Our schools struggle to reflect positive societal changes.
What good can come from the draconian punishment of undocumented but hard-working immigrants? The only true non-immigrants are Native Americans. Why haven’t Americans helped immigrants instead of using them for cheap labor?
Now, many Americans have shown their fear of those who look different, usually the poor.
Teachers have worked to make children feel welcome in public schools, and in many schools, I know one where I worked, multicultural differences were celebrated. Will this change?
What do children learn? Compassion, understanding, kindness, and acceptance? How confusing it must be for them to hear about these things yet watch the opposite. Children learn by observing what others do.
How will school districts handle the children of undocumented immigrants this fall? What will all students observe?
How will you celebrate the 4th of July today? What will your children see? I’m afraid it’s an America that is no longer what we signed up for. And I’m sorry for the immigrants. We should be asking them for forgiveness. But I’m also sad for the children and what they see. I wonder what their future will be.
Where there’s sadness and despair, one searches for hope. On this July 4th, may we cling to that.
Thank you Nancy, well said!!
When Trump got elected in 2016, the worst thing was trying to explain it to my kids, then in middle and high school. It was so embarrassing. And of course things have gotten much worse since then. Unfortunately, they see what is happening in America as “normal” because it’s all they know. I guess the only thing teachers and parents can do is model kindness, civility and respect for others. Wringing our hands and pining for the “good old days” isn’t effective. For many people, the old days weren’t good either. Maybe something new and better will come out of all this.
Thanks, Cathryn. I appreciate your insight. And I certainly hope so, especially for the next generation.