News Release

NEA President Reg Weaver Praises Students’ Involvement in Demonstrations Opposing Harsh Immigration Proposals

Reiterates NEA's Long-Standing Position Against Punitive Immigration Policies

WASHINGTON -- The National Education Association and its 2.8 million members stand in solidarity with the many faith, labor, community-based and civil rights organizations demonstrating across the country today against punitive immigration legislation proposed in Congress.

Among the most vocal groups protesting the harsh immigration legislation are students. In scenes reminiscent of the civil rights marches in the 1960s, thousands of students are speaking out and participating in demonstrations. They have led marches and held rallies to oppose legislation that would penalize immigrants and split their families.   

“This is a powerful civics lesson,” said NEA President Reg Weaver. “These marches have opened the way to political involvement for a new generation of students.  They show how young immigrants, as well as the young people born in the U.S., are intensely affected by the immigration debate.”

 “NEA stands firmly against any policy that denies human and civil rights or educational opportunities to immigrants and their children regardless of their immigration status,” said Weaver, reflecting on NEA’s history of more than 150 years of educating children—including the children of immigrants and immigrant children—in America’s public schools.

“We oppose enforcement-only proposals like H.R. 4437 that would unfairly penalize undocumented immigrants and make criminals of those in helping professions, including teachers, education support professionals such as counselors, social workers, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, and many others. This legislation would create a climate of fear, undermine human rights and threaten the family unit and fabric of our civil society.”

April 10, 2006

For More Information, Contact:

Miguel Gonzalez , NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7758

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.8 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.