WASHINGTON, D.C. – The first day of school typically brings excitement, new clothes, and anticipation. But this year, parents and students in the District say their enthusiasm is tempered by fear, as the presence of federal officers patrolling neighborhoods has sparked unease ahead of Monday’s school start.
A Parent’s Worry
For Iris Jacob, the moment is bittersweet. With three children in the D.C. Public Schools system, she is eager to see them begin a new academic year. Yet the sight of heavily armed law enforcement in recent weeks has left her shaken.
“I feel both really excited—it’s the beginning of the school year—and really scared because I’ve never been through something like that and neither have my children,” she explained.
Her concerns center on the number of police, FBI agents, and even military personnel stationed across the city. “I’m really worried about the amount of police and military and FBI,” Jacob said.
Children Speak Out
Her daughters share similar anxieties. Ife, preparing to enter eighth grade, described the feeling of constant surveillance.
“You can’t ignore it,” she said. “Everywhere you go, you see police.”
Her younger sister, Ozioma, who is starting fifth grade, expressed hope that the officers would ultimately keep them safe. “I’m hoping that they protect us,” she said. “It’s like, we’re kids.”
Community Concerns
These concerns are not isolated. Dozens of parents and students echoed similar fears during a recent gathering organized by advocacy groups, including United Leaders for Freedom, Black Swan Academy, DC Girls Coalition, DC Action, Critical Exposure, Anti-Racist DC, and Free DC.
At the event, young people spoke candidly about their worries. Many said they felt uncertain about what would happen once the school day ends, when students are traveling home.
“I’m really concerned that we don’t have the protocols in place for the young people especially when they get out of school,” Jacob said. “What are they doing after that?”
Calls for More Support
Parents said they feel the school district has not provided clear guidance. “We haven’t gotten a clear understanding from the schools or DCPS,” Jacob explained. “I’ve been on a few different calls. I haven’t gotten [anything] besides some basic ‘know your rights’ information.”
Students also voiced frustration over where resources are being directed. Ife said she would rather see funds invested in schools than in policing. “We need to fund the libraries, all this other stuff instead of helping bring police to the city.”
Her sister Ozioma agreed. “If you’re going to take our money, take it and use it to help us, not harm us.”
DCPS Response
In response to the growing concerns, D.C. Public Schools held a virtual information session on Wednesday. Officials assured parents and students that the federal presence would have little impact on daily school operations.
They reiterated that federal officers cannot conduct law enforcement activity on school property without a warrant or court order. Still, many parents remain uneasy, worried about what students may face beyond the school gates.
Looking Ahead
As the first day of school approaches, families across the District are balancing excitement with apprehension. For many, the question is not just about academic readiness but also about whether their children will feel secure in an environment overshadowed by the presence of armed federal agents.
For parents like Jacob, the hope is that schools will take more proactive measures to reassure students and safeguard their well-being. “We just want our kids to be safe,” she said, “and to feel like going to school is about learning—not about fear.”
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