Parents in Brooklyn are expressing frustration and outrage as high school students are forced into virtual learning due to the repurposing of their school building to shelter migrants. The controversial move has sparked criticism from parents who argue that their children’s education is being compromised in favor of prioritizing asylum seekers.
James Madison High School in Brooklyn, the epicenter of the controversy, saw nearly 2,000 migrants relocated from Floyd Bennett Field, leading to the suspension of in-person classes and the shift to remote learning for students.
In an interview with “Fox & Friends,” mother Jayne Lipkovich shared her dismay, questioning why schools like James Madison have to bear the burden of the city’s migrant crisis. Lipkovich, whose daughter Julia attends the school, raised concerns about safety protocols, pointing out that her child goes through metal detectors daily, while migrants entered the school with suitcases. The issue of vaccinations and background checks for migrants was also highlighted.
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Mayor Eric Adams defended the decision, citing safety concerns related to incoming storms and potential high winds. However, parents, including Lipkovich, argue that their children’s education should not be sacrificed for the city’s handling of the migrant crisis.
During the remote learning day, students logged onto Zoom without teachers present. Julia Lipkovich shared her experience, expressing frustration about missed learning opportunities and limited interaction with teachers, particularly with exams approaching.
Outraged parents gathered at a rally outside the school, echoing sentiments that the government is out of touch with the people. City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov was commended for speaking out about the crisis, but parents expressed a general sentiment that the government prioritizes migrant families over law-abiding, taxpaying citizens.
Democratic assemblywoman Jaime Williams, whose daughter attends the affected school, called on the Biden administration to address the migrant crisis promptly, emphasizing the unfairness of migrants being placed above local children and communities.
The community demands answers as parents grapple with the displacement of their children from schools and express concerns about the potential recurrence of such events in the future.
