Letter to the Editor: A question for the culture
Dear Editor,
In my short career as an educator in Las Vegas, I have been privileged to work with students from diverse backgrounds, upbringings and cultures. I’ve been fortunate to build connections with these young individuals, each leaving a lifelong impression. They’ve shared their dreams with me—dreams of making their parents proud for the sacrifices made to ensure their happiness and success.
As an educator, my role is to guide these students to become bright, hardworking and educated citizens. The path of teaching is one of long days, late nights and constant reflection to meet the needs of our students in an ever-changing world.
But I never imagined I’d live through times like these—times when I fear for my students. Fear that they might lose their school, friends or even family members. Bright, young people, with futures full of potential, now face uncertainty and prejudice, dimming their light.
I’ve seen it firsthand, students dropped off at school by parents who are later detained by immigration. I’ve seen the tears and confusion when they’re called to leave class because their family is being torn apart. These are not abstract stories; they are my students, my community.
To those who support the current administration, I ask you: reflect on the choices that led you here. Whatever convinced or misled you into thinking this was the best option, it’s not too late to change.
Question the information you consume. Question the future you want for your neighbors, your friends and our youth. Then question your heart. Does it tell you to act with compassion, or does it justify harm to others?
The time to reflect and act is now. Our students—the future of this country—deserve better.
I write to you from my desk, surrounded by red cards I’m cutting out to share with my students. These cards outline their constitutional rights, a guide for what to say and do if they or their loved ones are ever detained by immigration. My heart aches knowing they may need these, but I hope they never will.
More than anything, I hope to see each and every one of them tomorrow, safe and ready to learn.
Timothy Brady Winland