CONROE, Texas — A mother is speaking out after her 15-year-old daughter claimed she was asked about her immigration status by her teacher and is demanding action from district officials.
Susana Maya said her daughter is a U.S. citizen.
“For him to say that is troubling,” Maya said.
Maya said her daughter was in Spanish class and they were discussing exams with their teacher. It was then, according to the student, the conversation quickly shifted to immigration.
“He went and started telling them they were probably going to get deported how they dressed,” Maya said.
Then, the teacher allegedly questioned her daughter and another student’s immigration status.
“‘Are you here legally?’ She was taken aback ‘Yes I’m here legally. I was born here,'” Maya said.
Maya said the teacher had previously made rude comments about her 15-year-old daughter’s makeup, but she believes the conversation on Monday crossed the line.
“These kids are scared when they don’t have to be,” she said.
Immigration Attorney Naimeh Salem said teachers should not be asking these questions and students are not obligated to answer.
“The Supreme Court has held it is unconstitutional to discriminate based on immigration status,” said Salem.
In a statement, Conroe ISD said the following:
“We are aware of the allegation and investigating.”
In the meantime, the mother hopes the school district takes action and makes a strong statement to ensure all students feel safe, regardless of their immigration status.
“Once the teachers feel empowered to be able to speak like this it will pass off to the students. It will be impossible to stop. We need to stop the adults, unfortunately,” Maya said.
Maya said she is scheduled to meet with the superintendent on Thursday.