Due to the increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Chicago neighborhoods and a feeling of fear among some people in the U-High community, a group of teachers have created a program called “Strength in Numbers” to walk teachers and students home after school. The program aims to ease the community’s anxiety by helping people who may be worried about immigration enforcement. 

Teachers involved — either by participating in Strength in Numbers or having been copied on an email with information about the program — include Sylvia Aschliman, Amy Atkinson, Allison Beaulieu, Quinn Menchetti, Stephanie Mitzenmacher, Kevin Nihill, Jessica Palumbo, Chris Sullivan and Katelyn Truscello. While the program is still in the process of being approved by administration and details are not finalized, members aim to start as soon as possible.

According to Ms. Petersen, the recent immigration enforcement activities in Chicago were the motivation for Strength in Numbers. While some people have the privilege of not necessarily needing to worry about immigration agents, many people do not.

“We thought with the current environment of our world and with ICE being present in Chicago, we want our community to feel safe,” she said.

Ms. Petersen, a P.E. teacher, anticipates that many students will participate in the program. Although, as of now, Strength in Numbers hasn’t yet determined the process of requesting to be walked home, she hopes to soon have this information.

Mr. Menchetti, a P.E. teacher, thinks that directly relying on the Lab community is an advantage of the program.

“It’s a way that we can keep ourselves and each other safe without looking to outside organizations,” Mr. Menchetti said.

He thinks it’s admirable that people are helping their fellow community members.

“I’m very supportive of people involved,” Mr. Menchetti said, “and I appreciate them taking time out of their day to help our community feel safer.”

Sophomore Morgan Shields, upon being asked her thoughts on the program, thinks that immigration enforcement is a real concern for many people, and “Strength in Numbers” will have the benefit of making people who may be scared feel more comfortable. 

“It’s good to support people who are nervous,” Morgan said, “because they have every right to be nervous.”

A meeting was held to discuss details of Strength in Numbers in the gym building lobby, in case members of the Lab community didn’t want their names public.

Teachers emphasized that the program is an effort to make people feel safer and offer support to people who feel nervous walking home. 

“I really like to see our school come together for each other,” Ms. Petersen said. “We are not just a community at Lab; we are a family.”