The starts of the school year is less than 36 hours away for students in DC. Many parents are worried their kids might not be safe with federal troops on streets.
WASHINGTON — Back to school time usually means new clothes and books, but parents and students in the district say there’s a new sense of fear this year after seeing federal officers patrol their neighborhoods for the last two weeks.
“I feel both really excited, it’s the beginning of the school year and really scared because I’ve never been through something like that and neither have my children,” explained Iris Jacob.
She has three children who are ready to enter a new school year in the DC Public School system, but the last two weeks have spurred new emotions.
“I’m really worried about the amount of police and military and FBI,” she said.
Her two daughters echoing those thoughts.
“You can’t ignore it like in the city in the state that we’re in, everywhere you go, you see police,” explained oldest daughter Ife, who is going to be in eighth grade.
“I’m hoping that they protect us,” exclaimed Ozioma, who entering fifth grade, “it’s like, we’re kids.”
Several moms like Iris expressed their worries and concerns at an event hosted by United Leaders for Freedom, Black Swan Academy, DC Girls Coalition, DC Action, Critical Exposure, Anti-Racist DC, and Free DC. Many students shared their fears about going to school on Monday amidst the federal takeover.
“I’m really concerned that we don’t have the protocols in place for the young people especially when they get out of school. What are they doing after that?” asked Iris.
Many parents think the school district needs to do more.
“We haven’t gotten clear understanding from the schools or DCPS,” Iris explained, “I’ve been on a few different calls. I haven’t gotten understand besides some basic – know your rights.”
“We need to fund the libraries, all this other stuff instead of helping bring police to the city,” Ife said.
“If you’re going to take our money, take it and use it to help us not harm us,” said Ozioma.
DCPS tried to address some of these concerns on Wednesday at a virtual information session, saying there will be little impact on schools. Officials reiterated that federal officers cannot carry out any law enforcement activity on school property without a warrant or court order.