Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1539593
educators and our families. We're trying to protect our school communities and as teachers and as a union, we want to make sure we're doing our part." Rogers spoke on behalf of GTA at a press conference out- side Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital in early July calling on security agents employed by ICE to leave the hos- pital , w here they were monitoring a woman who became gravely ill when she was detained. Despite community objections, these ICE-con- tracted officers were stationed in the hospital around the clock, creating a hostile and fright- ening environment for her, other patients and hospital staff. Rogers says GTA will always rise to support and defend students and families from these and any attacks. "We've been dealing with a lot of issues the last few years where our students were in danger, first from extremists and now from ICE," says Rogers, a 25-year French teacher. "We're part of the nar- rative that Glendale is safe for everyone and ICE has no place in our schools or our hospitals." Supporting immigrant communities at the bargaining table In San Diego, SDEA educators are building their demands for protections for immigrant students and educators into their current bargaining platform — making a number of proposals including a new equity article to protect unjustifiably targeted students, dedication of a school district attorney to support and assist immigrant families, establishment of a school district hotline to support families with immigration concerns, and opening an immigrant community legal clinic at one of the district's community schools. "When we say we're fighting for stability in our communities, it means we're fighting for stability in our schools where all students feel welcome and safe," says Weinberg. " The terror and dis- ruption of ICE enforcement activities create an environment of instability. This is impacting students' mental health and ability to focus on learning, and that's why it's so important to make this a key piece of our contract campaign and what we do as union educators." Earlier this year, SDEA printed and distrib- uted "Red Cards" outlining the school district's policy and protections if ICE agents approach campuses. In August, educators participated in a non-violent direct-action training through their central labor council. Some SDEA members are also taking action with orga- nizations like Unión del Barrio to defend families under attack, regardless of immigration status (see sidebar on Page 17). Wein- berg says SDEA is working to be prepared for whatever comes, so they are ready when immigration enforcement escalates further in Southern California. " We w a n t t o c o n t r i b u t e t o s t r e n g t h e n i n g o u r "We'retryingto protect our school communities and as teachers and as a union, we want tomakesurewe're doing our part." — Glendale Teachers Assn. Vice President Emily Rogers A press conference outside a Glendale hospital in July called on security agents employed by ICE to leave the hospital, where they were monitoring a woman who became gravely ill when she was detained. 15 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 5 Emily Rogers