‘A Day Without Immigrants’ — Students in Marshall County skip school to protest ‘anti-immigrant policies’
Albertville’s Immigrant Community Demonstrates Through Absence in “A Day Without Immigrants”
On Monday, the immigrant community in Albertville participated in “A Day Without Immigrants,” a nationwide strike aimed at highlighting the contributions of immigrants to society. In a subtle approach to protest against increasing anti-immigrant policies, many immigrants and their supporters chose to stay away from work, shopping, and school, hoping their absence would convey their impact on the community. Advocates from Latinos Unidos Siempre emphasized that these policies threaten not only immigrants but also working individuals across the board.
While many Hispanic-owned businesses operated as usual, local schools noted a significant uptick in student absenteeism. Albertville City Schools reported that over 30% of students were absent, with a majority-minority demographic represented. Public Relations Coordinator Miranda Humphrey stated, “These absences reflect students across all grade levels and demographics,” although the exact cause remains unconfirmed.
The Boaz City Schools district also noted higher-than-average absences, attributing some to a potential strike participation. Superintendent Todd Haynie acknowledged that illness was prevalent but indicated the likelihood of additional reasons. Reports indicated similar trends across other Alabama schools. In a show of solidarity, some local businesses announced closures in support of the immigrant community, encapsulated in messages of unity and shared dreams.
Read the complete article here: https://1819news.com/news/item/a-day-without-immigrants-students-in-marshall-county-skip-school-to-protest-anti-immigrant-policies
