In recent months, Minnesota has experienced strikes, protests, walkouts, and general rebellion against injustice. While these aren’t new experiences for Minnesotans, this has impacted students on a new level. Some brave students have participated in walkouts and protests, and others have been dragged away from schools and homes by federal agents while simply trying live their lives. Education is invaluable to future generations, but now students are being robbed of the ability to be fully present in class, whether that be physically or mentally. All students should have the opportunity to prioritize their future without fear of external intervention.
Teens are being forced to grow up faster. From organizing walkouts and having to worry about carrying IDs and documentation, students aren’t able to focus on school and live their lives. Not only does living in constant fear and anxiety take away from academic motivation, but it also affects commitment to athletics and friendships. Students have the right to education—it can help pull families out of poverty and create endless opportunities to improve quality of life—and it’s important to understand how outside forces are infringing on that right.
In this day and age, human rights have become seen as a privilege. Many take human rights issues and make them political. The reality is that all humans have dignity; this is not only something all Catholics believe, but also a belief in The Declaration of Independence: “All men are created equal.” The Oxford dictionary defines equality as “the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.” This country has consistently proved that its citizens are not infact equal. Non-white students should not have to carry their ID and live in fear of being taken away from their families, friends, and schools. The situation only worsens when students hear their classmates’ voices in support of their oppressors.
School should be a safe place for all students. Not only is it a place for learning and building relationships, but it’s also a community. All students have the right to feel safe in the Benilde-St. Margaret’s community. Sadly, this is not the lived experience of all students. It can be difficult to be yourself and create genuine connections with your peers when they don’t see you as an equal, or don’t see others like you as an equal. By refusing to support the oppressed minority, you refuse protection to all those of your community who are part of that minority. This creates a hostile environment, the exact opposite of what BSM strives to achieve.
The values of BSM state that, “As a Catholic community, we unite through our shared humanity, by embracing our differences, while leading in one collective Spirit.” This philosophy translates into how we are supposed to treat our peers and those who have experiences we cannot relate to. In the context of ICE being in Minnesota, it is our responsibility as students to carry out the virtue of having humanity for one another, regardless of any distinction.
Other parts of the “One BSM” mindset that our school preaches include the value of excellence. At BSM, “We educate students not only to contribute to society, but also to transform it; to use their knowledge and talents to critically examine and engage in the world inspired by the message of the Gospel.” This message means that we are expected to observe the events in our community and use our education to assess whether they align with the values of loving your neighbor, one of the biggest pillars of Catholicism.
Another BSM charism is “Respect for Others.” Benilde states that “We honor and respect the dignity of all individuals. We believe that diversity and multicultural education are essential as we prepare students to live and work in an ever-evolving, complex society.” Our school explicitly supports the celebration of all walks of life, without distinction. Therefore, students should acknowledge and respect all peers and all members of the community.
As well as excellence and respect, BSM also values the need for community. The statement surrounding the importance of community is, “We celebrate diversity and welcome all members of our community. We believe that teachers, staff, coaches, and parents share in the responsibility to provide quality instruction, model conscientious behavior, and assist students in learning to make good decisions based on Christian values.” Creating a safe environment is a communal responsibility. Education Minnesota, a union made up of teachers in Minnesota’s public school districts, has been working to protect communities. The president of Education Minnesota, Monica Byron, recently made a statement surrounding ICE activities in Minnesota schools. Byron demanded that ICE stay away from all Minnesota schools, and stressed that ICE’s actions are an endangerment to students, advisors, and civil society. Byron stressed the safety of students and educators. Her call for peace is not political but rather a demonstration of Catholic values, something we should see more of in our community.
Now, ICE activity in Minnesota is declining. People are feeling safer and more confident in their environments, and for many Minnesotans, life is returning to normal. Just because the problem is no longer an immediate threat to most Minnesotans doesn’t mean it is no longer affecting others. ICE. and its actions stand against Catholic values; therefore, as a Catholic school, we should be united against it. Regardless of the political alignment of students, administration, and staff, as an establishment, BSM should inherently be a supporter of human dignity through the Catholic lens.