Edina board opens meeting with statement condemning national rhetoric; Somali parents urge wider district outreach

An unidentified board member opened the Dec. 8 Edina Public Schools board meeting with a statement saying remarks made at the national level have caused fear and anxiety for students, staff and families and explicitly singled out members of the Somali community as having been targeted. The speaker said the districtvalues diversity and affirmed a commitment to ensuring "every student feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive."

Three public commenters from Edina's Somali community told the board the district's response to the national rhetoric fell short. "My children live with fear that ICE might come and take them away," said Shukri Ahmed, a parent of four, asking why a message of hope and solidarity had been limited, in her view, to ESL recipients and had not reached non-ESL Somali families. Sana Hersey described children who were "sad, in tears," and asked what the board was doing to safeguard students and address mental-health impacts. Asad Tahir, a father of five, urged the board to "affirm and uphold the core values of Edina Public Schools" and partner with community members to support students and families.

Board members acknowledged the comments. The board's introductory statement highlighted the district's diversity and said inclusion and belonging were priorities noted in a superintendent-search stakeholder report that drew responses from more than 900 students. The board did not take immediate action that night beyond listening and directing follow-up; speakers requested a districtwide message that reaches all families and asked for collaborative steps to support students' mental health and safety.

What happens next: commenters asked for broader communication to reach non-ESL families and for concrete follow-up on supports. The board will take the community feedback under advisement and the district indicated staff would follow up with appropriate stakeholders and channels.