THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 14, 2025 Page 11 Response by the Malden Education Association M EA Executive Officers’ response to the Advocate article titled “Teachers union seeks to distribute informational ‘Red Cards’ to Malden Public Schools students: Red Cards provided by national ILRC detailed guidelines on rights of immigrants and undocumented individuals,” posted at 9:21 a.m. on February 6, 2025. https://www.facebook.com/ share/p/1BHaJGgkH6/ Submitted by the Officers of the Malden Education Association (Deb Gesualdo, MEA President; Jessica Gold Boots, MEA Vice President; Suzanne Millett, MEA Membership Secretary; Rachel LeBlanc, MEA Treasurer; Katie Carter, MEA METRO | FROM PAGE 3 Taylen Livingston, junior of Revere, Jainer Reyes, junior of Revere • Project Management Career Development - 2nd Place - Angely Zuniga, junior of Chelsea, Juliana Arevalo, junior of Chelsea • Project Management Community Awareness - 3rd Place - Colin DeCarlo, senior of Melrose, Dylan Estell, senior of Winchester, Connor Wilson, senior of Woburn • Project Management Financial Literacy - 4th Place - Nikolas Lacerda, junior of Revere, Janely Lizardo, junior of Chelsea, Kashayla Valentin, junior of Melrose • Financial Operations Research - 4th Place - Diosy Pichardo, senior of Chelsea, Katherine Ayala Orellana, senior of Revere • Financial Consulting - 4th Place - Declan Riley, junior of Woburn • Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research - 4th Place - Jennifer Gonzalez Garcia, junior of Chelsea and Fernanda Zapata, junior of Winthrop • Innovation Plan - 3rd Place - Bryan Godinez Lue, sophomore of Chelsea • Professional Selling - 4th Place - Trevor Burt, junior of Melrose • Professional Selling - 3rd Place - Zafir Flamurtari, freshman of North Reading • Retail Merchandising - 3rd Place - Mary Jane Warner, senior of Reading • Project Management Sales Project - 2nd Place - Ava Calixto, junior of Woburn Among the most compelling stories of students who competed at districts, are the stories of: Corresponding Secretary; Colleen Dias, MEA Recording Secretary) The Malden Education Association (MEA) stands firm in our commitment to ensuring that all students—regardless of their immigration status—feel safe, supported, and empowered in our schools. The proposal to distribute ILRC Red Cards is not about fear-mongering or creating division. It is about providing vital, factual information to students and families who may be at risk and ensuring they know their constitutional rights. The article states that there have been no reports of ICE agents entering Malden Public Schools or schools in Massachusetts. While Gemma Morse, freshman, of Melrose, and Giselle Fulcar Cardona, freshman, of Revere — Gemma, who has hearing loss and uses a hearing aid, and a freshman peer, Giselle, both expressed interest in DECA and participating in a district-level role play. They teamed up to prepare a role play in Law and Ethics. While both were still in their exploratory weeks, Gemma and Giselle began staying after school to work with their adviser on a crash course in both economics and business law. Their determination led them to a 1st Place finish at district competitions, with judges commenting that they thought both young women were juniors or seniors because of the poise they showed. Luciana Gutierrez Vanegas, sophomore, of Revere — Luciana is an English Language Learner who is still mastering the English language, but that didn't stop her from teaming up with another Spanish speaking classmate to write a 20-page International Business Plan in English. Luciana recently emigrated from Colombia, so she used her knowledge of her home country to write a business plan to license an American mocktail in Colombia. Luciana and her partner earned a 1st Place finish in the district competition, and will now compete at the state level. Godson Thimothee, sophomore, of Malden — Godson planned to pursue a role play in DECA competition when he first joined the chapter, but DECA Chapter Advisor Jaime-Lyn Pickles found out Godson owns his this may be true, it does not negate the reality that many students and families are living in fear due to shifting federal policies and increased immigration enforcement nationwide. Students cannot learn effectively if they are burdened by anxiety over the possibility of deportation affecting them or their loved ones. The Red Cards serve as an educational tool, reinforcing rights that are guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution to all people, regardless of citizenship status. Furthermore, it is misleading to suggest that distributing these cards would make Malden unique or an outlier. Many educators across the country, in states and cities with own clothing brand, GGT, and encouraged him to compete by writing Business Growth Plan paper, which requires students to own their own business in order to compete. Over the fall, Godson worked on addressing logistical issues that impacted his business inventory, and then he began seeking local influencers to help hype his clothing brand. At district competition, Godson finished in 2nd Place and secured a spot in state competition. Feka Desir, junior, of Melrose, Rock Edouard, senior, of Malden, and Miracula Pierre Jules, junior, of Malden — Feka, Rock and Miracula co-own a businss called Vivid Beauty together, and finished in the top 10 last year at DECA state competition. As a result, Feka applied for a DECA-affiliated program at the University of Michigan, and ended up earning an all expenses paid tour of the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. Feka, Rock and Miracula competed at the DECA district competition again this year and finished in 5th Place, which earned them a trip to once again compete in the state competition. "I'm pleased to see the growth and success of the Northeast Metro Tech DECA Chapter," said Superintendent DiBarri. "DECA is a respected international organization that helps Business Technology students grow, break barriers, and achieve their full potential. Our students who participate in DECA competitions have a lot to be proud of, and they are learning new lessons as they go. It's a wonderful club and program." large immigrant populations, have taken similar steps to ensure their students are informed. Schools exist not only to teach academics but also to nurture informed, confident individuals who can advocate for themselves. These cards are simply an extension of that mission. The article also highlights assurances from Malden Public Schools administrators that ICE agents are not allowed on school grounds. While we appreciate these reassurances, they do not eliminate the need for students to understand their rights in situations beyond school walls. Students may face encounters at home, in public spaces, or even in cases where they are approached on their way to or from school. The Red Cards provide clear, concise information on how to respond in such situations. To characterize this effort as unnecessary or alarmist is to dismiss the very real concerns of our students and their families. The MEA believes in standing up for our students, advocating for their safety, and ensuring they have access to information that could protect them from unjust or unlawful actions. The distribution of Red Cards is a proactive step toward fostering a school environment rooted in justice, equity, and respect for all. 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