The second-largest school district in Minnesota, Saint Paul Public Schools, has announced the introduction of a temporary virtual learning option for students, driven by safety concerns stemming from an uptick in federal immigration enforcement activities in the Twin Cities. Starting on January 22, the initiative aims to support students who may feel uneasy about attending school in person.
This development is particularly significant as it reflects ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and its impact on local communities, particularly among immigrant families. The decision comes in response to a sharp decline in student attendance, especially among Spanish-speaking students, highlighting the intersection of educational access and broader social issues.
Key Developments
- Saint Paul Public Schools will start the temporary virtual learning option on January 22.
- Classes will be paused on January 20 and 21, in addition to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, to prepare for the transition.
- Data shows a dramatic drop in attendance, with over 50% of Spanish-speaking students absent following a fatal incident involving an ICE officer.
- The plan will be evaluated weekly to assess any necessary changes.
Full Report
Attendance Declines
In a notable decline in student attendance on January 9, more than half of the students whose primary language is Spanish did not attend school. This decrease coincided with community distress following the shooting death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during an enforcement operation.
Leadership Response
Dr. Stacie Stanley, the superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools, addressed community concerns via a YouTube video, indicating she received numerous requests for a virtual learning option as ICE operations intensified in the area. “Our goal is to ensure that all students can stay connected to the school whether that is in-person or virtually,” she stated.
Review Process
The district’s communications director confirmed that the plan will be subject to weekly reviews to determine if any modifications are required based on ongoing situations.
Comparison with Minneapolis Public Schools
Minneapolis Public Schools also reacted to community concerns by initially canceling classes on January 8 and 9 after the incident involving Good. While in-person learning resumed soon after, the district’s virtual option is set to end on February 12, contrasting with Saint Paul Public Schools’ indefinite timeline for its online offerings.
Context & Previous Events
The decision to implement virtual learning reflects lingering anxieties about the combination of immigration enforcement and its potential disruptions to education. The school district’s actions follow heightened scrutiny and community protests against ICE, particularly after the high-profile incident resulting in Good’s death. Concerns about academic setbacks and mental health challenges from previous extended remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic also inform the current response from local educators.
