With the amount of youth raising concerns over immigration, questions have been circulating over the safety and education of students in the ABCUSD District. Through protests and continual conversations, more and more students have been requesting change in their communities. One Don took it to heart however, and finally decided to bring that change into action.
On Thursday, Feb. 5, Allison Marcroft sent out an email on behalf of our representative on the LACOE Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, junior Emilie Jang. With the Los Angeles Student Civics Changemakers Challenge active, Jang called for students, parents, and staff members to help contribute to the cause by filling out an online survey on immigration, hoping to reach every voice out there.
The anonymous survey featured a total of 15 questions, asking how safe responders felt in their schools, and what they wanted to see implemented in the future. So far, they’ve gotten over 600 responses but are continuing to reach out. Jang acknowledges that some questions may be uncomfortable, and we need to acknowledge that. “I would answer them honestly, even if the answers are uncomfortable. Research only works when we’re willing to acknowledge gaps,” said Jang. She’s using the data collected by the survey to inspire change, ensuring students have a voice to contribute to new policies.
The Students Civics Changemakers Challenge is a student-ran project meant to bring students together. It’s a year-long initiative created by students from across Los Angeles County to research pressing issues, gather community input, and design youth-led solutions that can inform district-and county-level action. She started this project at the beginning of the school year, and her goal is to encourage students to make a change within their communities. “When students are treated as partners rather than passive recipients, institutions become stronger,” Jang said.
Jang joined the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council because she believed close proximity to a decision-making space would make an impact. She’s deeply interested in public service, and prides herself on acting with integrity. She decided to speak up about immigration because it is something that affects students all over the world. “I was motivated by the idea that belonging is foundational to learning. If students are navigating uncertainty or fear, that impacts their academic and emotional well-being,” said Jang. She wanted to find a way where schools could respond constructively and actively change for the better.
To Jang, this issue is personal, as when On Friday, Feb. 6, she participated in the district-wide walkout protesting ICE. As Cerritos students, she encourages us to do the same. “Even small actions, whether that’s checking in on classmates or ensuring school events are inclusive, helps create a culture where every student can feel they belong and can succeed,” said Jang, “CHS can continue strengthening mentorship, communication, and visibility of resources so students know support exists before they need to ask for it.” She believes that schools should clarify students’ rights, and give them access to accurate information and emotional support systems.
She belives schools and communities should do their best to make everyone feel included, ensuring all students should have a safe space where they feel seen and heard. ”Small gestures such as checking in, sharing accurate information, and celebrating diverse identities can make a big difference in helping students thrive academically and emotionally,” said Jang.
