Educator Questions Safety of School Drills Amid ICE Collaboration Concerns
October 07, 2025 | Providence City, Providence County, Rhode Island
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
In a poignant moment during the Providence City Council's Committee on Ordinances meeting on October 6, 2025, a local educator voiced deep concerns about the safety protocols in schools, particularly in light of ongoing collaborations with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The educator's words echoed through the chamber, highlighting the anxiety that has become a part of daily life for teachers and students alike.
"Every year, we have to do active shooter drills, so kids and staff know what to do in the event of an active shooter in the school," the educator stated, emphasizing the grim reality of preparing for such emergencies. However, the discussion took a troubling turn as they questioned the implications of continued partnerships with ICE. "If nothing changes... what's next? ICE drills? Police drills? What would that even look like?"
This stark inquiry reflects a growing unease among educators about the potential for increased militarization within schools, where the focus is meant to be on learning and safety. The educator expressed a harrowing sentiment, stating, "I already have to be prepared to use my body as a human shield for bullets to protect my kids. Am I also going to need to protect them from the people who are supposed to be protecting them?"
The meeting underscored a critical intersection of education, safety, and community trust, as council members grappled with the implications of such collaborations. The educator's heartfelt plea serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those on the front lines of education, raising essential questions about the future of safety in schools and the role of law enforcement in educational environments.
As the council continues to deliberate on these pressing issues, the community watches closely, hoping for solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of all students. The conversation around school safety is far from over, and the voices of educators like this one will remain vital in shaping the policies that affect the lives of children and their families.
"Every year, we have to do active shooter drills, so kids and staff know what to do in the event of an active shooter in the school," the educator stated, emphasizing the grim reality of preparing for such emergencies. However, the discussion took a troubling turn as they questioned the implications of continued partnerships with ICE. "If nothing changes... what's next? ICE drills? Police drills? What would that even look like?"
This stark inquiry reflects a growing unease among educators about the potential for increased militarization within schools, where the focus is meant to be on learning and safety. The educator expressed a harrowing sentiment, stating, "I already have to be prepared to use my body as a human shield for bullets to protect my kids. Am I also going to need to protect them from the people who are supposed to be protecting them?"
The meeting underscored a critical intersection of education, safety, and community trust, as council members grappled with the implications of such collaborations. The educator's heartfelt plea serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those on the front lines of education, raising essential questions about the future of safety in schools and the role of law enforcement in educational environments.
As the council continues to deliberate on these pressing issues, the community watches closely, hoping for solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of all students. The conversation around school safety is far from over, and the voices of educators like this one will remain vital in shaping the policies that affect the lives of children and their families.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meeting