Parents in New York City are expressing their outrage and concern as officials plan to use school gyms as temporary shelters for migrants.
The city, facing an increasing influx of migrants, intends to set up shelters at twelve public schools, primarily in Brooklyn.
The gyms, separate from the main school buildings, will be utilized to accommodate the migrants.
Last week alone, over 4,200 migrants arrived in the city, with an expectation of an additional 15 buses arriving this week.
The decision to house migrants in school gyms has sparked protests among parents who worry about the impact on their children’s education and school activities.
Many parents question if events such as prom, graduation, and the summer carnival will be canceled or affected by the temporary shelters.
The city had assured parents that school activities would not be disrupted, but the current situation contradicts those promises.
During a rally held in Brooklyn, parents voiced their concerns, holding signs with messages such as “No Asylum on School Grounds.” They fear that their children’s lives and educational experiences are being compromised.
Additionally, parents at PS 17 and Middle School 577 witnessed migrants being brought to their schools for a few hours before being transferred to Staten Island.
The city plans to utilize a total of 20 public schools across the city as migrant shelters, including gyms from six schools in Brooklyn and one former school in Staten Island.
Parents are frustrated by the lack of information regarding the duration of the temporary shelters and the potential impact on the remainder of the school year.
Activities are already being canceled or postponed, and students at PS 132 Elementary School will have recess on the street due to the use of their gym.
The removal of gym time, the carnival, graduation, and other important events have left parents deeply concerned.
While city leaders emphasize that there is no data linking crime to asylum seekers, and crime rates are decreasing overall, the concerns regarding student well-being are shared by the teachers’ union, school safety union, and numerous parents.
However, city officials stress that these shelters are not intended to be a permanent solution and highlight the lack of shower facilities and appropriately sized toilets as evidence of the temporary nature of the arrangement.
The city estimates that the shelters may be in place for about three months, although exact details remain uncertain.
Parents are eagerly awaiting answers about how the remainder of the school year will be affected and hope to find clarification at a forum held by the principal of the affected school.
The situation continues to unfold in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, raising questions about the long-term implications for both migrants and the education system.
