Former President Donald Trump’s false statements about immigrants eating pets during Tuesday night’s presidential debate have brought attention to the city of Springfield, Ohio, which has seen growth in recent years due to an influx of newcomers from Haiti. This growth has not only led to an increase in the local population and economic development but also a rise in enrollment for the Springfield school district.
With multilingual students, many from immigrant households, now making up close to 13 percent of the more than 7,400 students in the district, schools are faced with the challenge of meeting their legal obligation to enroll and serve immigrant students and multilingual learners while navigating heated political rhetoric surrounding immigration.
Alejandra Vázquez Baur, co-founder and director of the National Newcomer Network, a coalition advocating for equitable education for newcomer students, emphasizes that anti-immigrant rhetoric can undermine schools’ efforts to create inclusive, welcoming, and integrated learning environments. Such rhetoric can have a detrimental impact on the mental and emotional health of students from immigrant communities and impede their academic success.
In addition to harmful rhetoric, some political leaders have also raised concerns about the cost of educating immigrant students. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, for example, argued that educating undocumented students was too expensive and expressed interest in revisiting the landmark 1982 U.S. Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe, which guaranteed these students access to a basic education. However, Vázquez Baur points out that schools need more funding overall to effectively serve all students, not just immigrant students.
Investing resources to better serve immigrant students can have wide-reaching benefits for school districts. In the St. Paul district in Minnesota, enrollment stabilized in the 2023-24 school year after years of decline, largely due to students enrolling in dual-language immersion and language and culture programs. Megan Budke, the district’s coordinator for immersion, indigenous, and world languages, highlights the academic growth and success that students in these programs have experienced on state standardized tests and in meeting grade-level benchmarks.
Ultimately, districts that invest in immigrant students not only support the well-being and academic success of these students but also create more inclusive learning environments for all students. By implementing enhanced enrollment procedures, building up world language programming, and providing adequate funding, schools can ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive and succeed. St. Paul, Minn. is leading the way in embracing culturally responsive language programs for immigrant students. The district has recognized the importance of dual-language immersion programs and the benefits they bring to the students. While these programs may come with a cost, the district believes that the advantages far outweigh the expenses.
For districts with smaller budgets, there are alternative options to create culturally inclusive environments for immigrant students. One example is the East African magnet school in the St. Paul district, where core content is taught in English but students also have access to an East African language course. This allows students to maintain their cultural identity while learning in a new environment.
Creating a welcoming atmosphere for immigrant students goes beyond language programs. It is essential to train staff members responsible for enrolling these students to understand their educational backgrounds. This ensures that students are placed in appropriate classes and are not set up for failure by being placed in courses beyond their experience levels.
The benefits of investing in culturally responsive programs extend beyond the well-being of immigrant students. Studies have shown that the presence of immigrant students in K-12 classrooms can improve academic outcomes for their U.S.-born peers. Additionally, exposure to diverse cultures and languages can broaden the perspectives of all students and better prepare them for a globalized world.
In Ohio, Haitian immigrants have been moving into the state from other regions and are legally residing in the United States under Temporary Protected Status. While districts are obligated to enroll all students regardless of immigration status, they must also consider how they can best serve their diverse student population.
As anti-immigrant rhetoric continues to persist, districts like St. Paul are asking themselves, “Who do we serve?” The answer is clear – they serve their students, who come from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. By embracing multilingualism and cultural diversity, districts can better support all students in their educational journey. The sun was setting over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape. As the day came to a close, the cool evening breeze gently swept through the trees, rustling the leaves and creating a peaceful atmosphere.
In the distance, a lone figure could be seen walking along the path, their silhouette outlined against the fading light. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the stillness, creating a sense of solitude and serenity.
As they walked, the figure’s mind wandered to the events of the day. They had spent the afternoon exploring the nearby forest, marveling at the beauty of nature and the diversity of plant and animal life. The vibrant colors of the flowers, the gentle hum of the bees, and the melodic songs of the birds had all left a lasting impression on them.
But as the sun dipped below the horizon, a sense of melancholy crept over the figure. The beauty of the natural world was undeniable, but so too was the fragility of it all. They thought about the impact of human activity on the environment, the destruction of habitats, and the loss of biodiversity.
Despite these heavy thoughts weighing on their mind, the figure found solace in the simple act of walking. The rhythmic motion of putting one foot in front of the other was grounding, helping to clear their mind and bring a sense of peace.
As they continued on their journey, the figure was struck by the beauty of the evening sky. The colors shifted from gold to pink to purple, painting a breathtaking canvas overhead. They paused for a moment to take in the sight, feeling grateful for the opportunity to witness such natural beauty.
And as the last rays of sunlight faded from the sky, the figure felt a sense of gratitude for the world around them. Despite its challenges and imperfections, there was still so much beauty to be found in nature. And as they turned to head back home, they carried with them a renewed sense of appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
