Vermont Agency of Education Responds to Killing in Minneapolis

The Agency of Education is appalled by ongoing violence against American citizens and members of immigrant communities at the hands of federal agents, including the latest killing in Minneapolis over the weekend. In addition to the needless and tragic loss of life, the Agency is deeply concerned about the impact on children - children in immigrant communities who are living in fear of being detained by federal agents, children across Minneapolis who are traumatized by the violence engulfing their communities, and children across America who are trying to make sense of events that even adults are struggling to comprehend in real time.

Every child in the United States, regardless of background, has a constitutional right to public education. At the Agency of Education, we are focused on upholding that right and ensuring that all students in Vermont have equal access to educational opportunities regardless of actual or perceived immigration status. To that end, we have provided updated immigration guidance to assist schools in meeting these obligations to students. Vermont continues to embrace those seeking safety and a new beginning, and at the Agency of Education we are committed to cultivating a positive school climate across Vermont where every student feels a sense of belonging.