In the western Oregon town of Woodburn, which predominantly comprises Latino or Hispanic residents, the local school board recently decided against a resolution aimed at showing public support for immigrant students. Concerns were raised by board members that issuing such a statement might jeopardize the district’s federal funding, as reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting. This decision was made despite the reassurances from Woodburn Superintendent Juan Larios, who emphasized that the resolution did not introduce new policies.
Superintendent Larios highlighted that the district already implements protocols to protect students, characterizing the resolution as a unified message of support. The proposed resolution underlined the necessity for Woodburn schools to be welcoming environments and underscored that every child is entitled to free public education irrespective of their immigration status. Additionally, it stressed the board’s commitment to removing barriers that might deter students from attending school, such as anxiety related to immigration issues and federal policies.
However, the resolution was narrowly defeated with a 2-3 vote, taking many community members and union leaders by surprise. Despite this setback, Larios assured that the district’s commitment to supporting students from immigrant families remains steadfast.
Data from the previous school year indicate that 87% of Woodburn’s students and 42% of its teachers identify as Hispanic or Latino. In the broader city population, around two-thirds are Latino or Hispanic, with some households consisting of members with mixed-citizenship status.
