Friends,

In the last few days, the new president has tested his authority in unprecedented ways. First, it was rescinding any number of longstanding policies, including one that protected certain areas—such as schools, hospitals and churches—from immigration enforcement. Now, he is putting a stop on all federal funding for core services to Americans, including funding for education (IDEA, Title I, meals), policing and other core services. This will hurt our members and students and, as Sen. Chuck Schumer has said, is illegal. Congress passed all these appropriations.

We are working right now on a plan to push back to make sure these essential public services are funded. I want to invite you to an urgent town hall we’re having this week on yet another issue.

On Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7pm ET, we’re having a town hall for our members and community on the threat of ICE in schools and hospitals. Click here to RSVP.

As you know, President Trump changed federal rules and is now allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers into sensitive locations, including schools, healthcare facilities and social services sites. Last week, I sent a letter to Trump asking him to rescind this rule.

At this town hall, we will examine the impact of the new president’s mass deportation agenda and the harmful consequences of changing the sensitive locations rule. We will try to answer questions about what to do when federal agents show up at schools and hospitals, and we will discuss the AFT’s campaign to protect our kids. Schools and hospitals need to be safe and welcoming for all our kids and families; we seek to keep these spaces free from the fear and trauma of immigration enforcement that disrupts education, endangers health outcomes and traumatizes families.

We have an obligation to protect all of our young people. Right now, so many educators, parents and families—immigrant and nonimmigrant alike—are wondering whether our schools will be safe places for our kids. The fear is palpable.

That’s why we are having this town hall. Please register here.

We are committed to protecting our kids. Trump’s changes have already created a climate of fear. We need to make sure our community knows what the AFT is doing, and give people a chance to get answers.

Please register and submit questions here.

In unity,
Randi Weingarten
AFT President