In a statement on the crisis at the US Border, the American Montessori Society (AMS) conveyed a plea for “The forgotten citizen. The voiceless. Our children.” Timothy J. Purnell, Chief Executive Officer for AMS distributed the letter to fellow Montessori educators – a membership of 16,000 strong worldwide.
With a committee dedicated to peace and social justice, AMS is taking a stand to protect the children separated from parents in detention centers at the US border. “Our cry is for the child. We do not wish to see them used as pawns.”
American Montessori Society defines itself as “the world’s leading member organization advancing research and advocating for Montessori teacher education and progressive education policy.” AMS puts forth their clear public policy on its webpage
At the local, state, federal, and international level, the American Montessori Society seeks to advance quality Montessori education through public policy.
We work in a variety of ways to inform and influence policymakers on issues related to education and the well-being of children and families.
The statement encourages educators to make their voice heard and provides the sample letter below to send to your senators and congressperson with the impetus “Your action can make a positive impact!”
(Date)
The Honorable ___________________________
United States Senate / House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20510 / 20515
RE: Regarding the Separation of Migrant Children from Their Parents
To the Honorable Senator / Representative __________________:
As your constituent, I emphatically urge you to support legislation that would make it clear that migrant children should not be taken away from their parents while the family awaits a ruling on their immigration status. All U.S. citizens must stand for the care and protection of the child, and ensure they are not forgotten.
As a Montessori educator, I believe in Dr. Maria Montessori’s statement that “Based on the affirmation of the child’s dignity, we have to ensure the child’s right and freedom to grow and develop wholesomely.” (The Forgotten Citizen, 1951)
Our current administration’s policy of family separation and child detention is detrimental to the development of these children and endangers their pursuit of positive life endeavors.
In light of recent actions we need strong policy and we need it now. You must do all you can to see to it that these children are not separated from their parents.
The time to act is now; the need is immediate. Please let me know what you are doing, and what more I can do to help.
Sincerely,
(sign and print your name and remember to include your address)
WFIS works with AMS, PNMA and Montessori schools on policy and education advocacy at the local, state and federal levels. Many of our member schools are also AMS members.
