What happened when a tiny school district refused to ‘bend the knee’ to Trump and ICE
The Winooski school district in Vermont has taken a strong stance to protect immigrant students amid federal pressures. Superintendent Wilmer Chavarria has implemented a sanctuary policy and refused to comply with federal bans on diversity efforts. This decision comes despite potential risks to federal funding and personal experiences with immigration enforcement.
- ▪Winooski is the most diverse school district in Vermont, with nearly 60% of students being people of color.
- ▪Superintendent Wilmer Chavarria has implemented a sanctuary policy to protect immigrant students from ICE enforcement.
- ▪Chavarria was previously detained by immigration officials, highlighting the personal stakes involved in his leadership.
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A reading class at Winooski high school in Winooski, Vermont, on 7 April 2026. Photograph: Oliver Parini for The Hechinger ReportView image in fullscreenA reading class at Winooski high school in Winooski, Vermont, on 7 April 2026. Photograph: Oliver Parini for The Hechinger ReportBuilding powerVermontWhat happened when a tiny school district refused to ‘bend the knee’ to Trump and ICEIn Winooski, Vermont, where more than a third of children are English learners, a school superintendent is taking a stand to protect immigrant studentsBuilding power is supported byAbout this contentAriel Gilreath, the Hechinger Report Wed 3 Jun 2026 08.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleOn an April morning at Winooki high school, the day started with a writing prompt: Do you feel safe in school? Why or…
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