Absent Student Profile: The ICE Effect

“Because I am an immigrant, and even though I am legal, the situation right now is very unsafe.” Gabriela is a Jordan junior who spent over a week out of school due to the recent presence of federal law enforcement in North Carolina. “My parents had noticed they (federal law enforcement) were on our way from my house to the school…and they were circling around our complex of apartments, so it was impossible for me to take the bus.”

"Empty Classroom," Vanessa Armstrong

During her time off, Gabriela did as much of her schoolwork as possible on Canvas, but some assignments could not be done virtually. “I have theater class, so it is very dynamic, so I can't make up the grades,” Gabriela explained. She also missed some projects that she had been looking forward to. “I was very sad because I was so excited for those projects. And, it was really bad. It really sucked.“

Gabriela also explained her concern that not all students understand or care about the situation. Speaking about the walkout that took place at Jordan in November, she said, “I know for a fact that many people actually went to the protest very aware of the situation. But I know as well, other people were just skipping class and they made a really big mess and were throwing stuff, and they took everything like it was a joke. And, personally, I was really disappointed that people would take this as a joke.” She was happy, though, that there were students who participated in the walkout who care about the situation, saying, “I'm very deeply grateful for the people who went aware and actually were very serious, and took this very seriously.”

Gabriela wrapped up by saying, “Everybody just be aware because if they're coming after us, they can come after other minorities. So I think being aware is just essential.” She believes, “It really happens and I think everybody should know that.”