On his first day in office nine days ago, President Donald Trump delivered on a wide range of campaign promises, signing with his signature sharpie over 20 executive orders, many of which have the potential of affecting AHS if they are approved.
In particular, the threat of mass deportation has raised fears among those in the community. FCPS has responded with reassurance that “As we center ourselves in our humanity, we will continue to do all that we can – to the fullest extent allowable by law – to protect our students and staff and to ensure access to safe and vibrant learning spaces for our students, families, and staff,” as stated in a January 25 email by Superintendent Michelle Reid to families and staff.
In addition to orders aimed at deporting all undocumented immigrants, ending birthright citizenship by reinterpreting the 14th amendment, and shutting down the southern border, orders to remove job protections for federal employees, end Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) actions, roll back LGBTQ protections, and legally deny the existence of transgender and non-binary individuals could also directly affect those in AHS.
Nevertheless, deportation has risen as the most immediate concern of communities around the country, including Annandale, given the sizable percentage of the AHS student body that comes from immigrant backgrounds. FCPS’ timely response to these fears reflects the depth of community concern, even if the district lacks concrete answers.
“I would like to hope that students at Annandale read through a primary source like [the email] from Dr. Reid and use that to base their opinion on what these policies mean [for our school],” Principal Shawn DeRose said.
Despite supportive administration intentions, many students still feel immense anxiety surrounding their futures.
A senior whose parents are immigrants conveyed that the impending danger has made her uneasy, “I personally feel worried since not only will it affect my own relatives but also so many other families who will be stripped away from their loved ones,” Fawn Perez said. “I think it’s wrong and awful. It scares me to think that one day when my parents leave home from work, it will be the last time I see them,” she added.
Deportations under Trump’s directive are scheduled to start in Chicago. New York is said to be the next target, and it’s only a matter of time before these operations expand to other states. Trump’s removal of sanctuary protection and new policies has allowed Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enter formerly protected areas such as schools, churches and other safe-havens to perform arrests on immigrants.
“To be clear, Fairfax County Public Schools are not permitted by law to collect the immigration status of our students or their families,” Dr. Reid said.
While Trump’s immigration policy has captured the majority of public attention, other executive orders such as those that would affect AHS’ LGBTQ population should not be ignored.
Such policies allow for the refusal of transgender and nonbinary people to use gender-confirming bathrooms and require federal agencies to discriminate against transgender people, among others.
“It’s government overreach at its finest because the federal government does not have the authority to individually tell people how to live their lives. [The Trump administration is] making this legislation without being aware of any people in this community at all,” junior and GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) President Autumn Tremante said. “FCPS should continue with what they’re doing,” she added.
FCPS respects student and staff gender and sexual identities and understands the mental health effects that could result from federal policy changes. School principals are informed on FCPS LGBTQ policies; additionally, Principal DeRose works with students on a case-by-case basis.
Within AHS, there is a large number of resources available for those seeking guidance in this complicated time.
“We are going to continue to monitor [the federal situation] and be there for our students like any other situation that happens. If students have concerns or questions we have people in the building: their counselors are our family liaisons,” DeRose said. “We have support here for any students who might be feeling anxious as a result,” he added.
Additionally, FCPS has online resources available to immigrant families detailing social services, legal, Fairfax County and FCPS resources as well as comprehensive guidelines related to immigration policy.
While the school district is doing what it can to reassure the community, creating a safe space to provide students access to a quality education remains their primary goal.
“I think there is so much uncertainty because we’re so early on. If we ask the same questions in six months to a year, there’ll be more to say about it,” ESOL Social Studies Teacher Rebecca Young said. “I hope we can keep focused on what we’re here to do, which is help young people to reach their goals and get an education,” she added.