The Florida Education Association (FEA) has joined a broader effort urging Congress to designate public schools, places of worship, and hospitals as protected spaces. The organization emphasized the need for safety in educational environments for students, parents, and educators.
According to the FEA, Florida’s diverse communities contribute to the state’s character. However, the association expressed concern about increasing divisive rhetoric related to immigration at the national level. The FEA stated that such rhetoric has led to “devastating and violent actions by our federal government.”
The association highlighted its role in ensuring safe learning environments for all children. “Our job as teachers and education staff professionals is to ensure every child in our community has a safe place to learn, grow, and be a kid – regardless of race, status, religion, or gender,” the FEA said. It added that fear among students and parents disrupts learning and creates anxiety.
The FEA also pointed out that recent events have affected Florida’s K-12 education system. The group referenced findings from the state’s Education Estimating Conference for PreK-12 Enrollment but did not provide specific details.
“Every child in Florida is entitled to a public education regardless of immigration status, per the U.S. Constitution,” the statement read. “We must ensure that our public schools are protected spaces, not political stages used to foment more division.”
The organization called on others to unite in protecting schools and supporting immigrant communities.
The FEA represents 120,000 members including PreK-12 teachers, higher education faculty, educational staff professionals, students preparing to become teachers, and retired education employees across Florida.
