As this season of gratitude begins, my heart is full. I am thankful for my family, for the safety we enjoy every day, and for the fundamental right we have to advocate for the crucial fights that improve our communities, cities, and country.
But this gratitude comes with a sharp awareness: not all families feel safe.
The lawsuit filed by Attorney General Todd Rokita against Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is a direct attack on the simple, vital promise that every child—regardless of their background—has the right to walk into a classroom without fear. Our IPS Board is standing strong, fighting for the policy that ensures schools remain dedicated learning sanctuaries, free from the intrusion of federal immigration enforcement (ICE).
This is More Than a Local Fight: It is a fight for childrens' rights.
We are thrilled and humbled to announce that thousands of allies across the country have already signed this petition to stand with our IPS students and their families. This overwhelming national support proves that the safety of a child is a universal value that transcends state lines.
During your holiday breaks, while you are gathered with loved ones, we ask you to share a message of hope and action.
We believe that the basic freedoms afforded to us should be afforded to ALL. We get to choose, every day, to protect our children’s rights and the integrity of their learning environments.
How You Can Help Us Grow This Movement:
Share This Update: Take this message and share it with your friends, family, and colleagues—whether they live in Indiana or California. Anyone in the U.S. can stand with us! We are fighting for a national precedent: schools must be safe zones.
Tag Your Networks: Reach out to advocacy groups, faith organizations, and community leaders wherever you are. Ask them to sign and share.
Send Encouragement: Please continue to send messages of support to the IPS Board. Your words fuel our resolve as we use precious educational dollars to defend our students in court.
The fight to protect our children is the right fight. Thank you for making their safety your priority this holiday season.
bit.ly/fight4kids
Commissioner Thomas