School Theme: Immigration

“Part of the process of conversion of mind and heart deals with confronting attitudes of cultural superiority, indifference, and racism; accepting migrants not as foreboding aliens, terrorists, or economic threats, but rather as persons with dignity and rights, revealing the presence of Christ; and recognizing migrants as bearers of deep cultural values and rich faith traditions.”
--from Strangers No Longer, United States Conference of CatholicBishops

To honor the Lasallian call to respond to the poor and overcome injustice, we at La Salle Catholic College Preparatory have introduced an annual school-wide theme centered on a topic of social concern. We hope that through the integration of this theme into the appropriate curricular areas and other school programming, students will not only develop the ability to think critically, but also become seekers of justice in a world that needs our compassion and action.

Our Essential Question:
How do we respond to the challenges of immigration in ways that ensure human dignity?

This year’s theme focuses on the opportunities and challenges the current immigration system in the United States places on people, communities and nations. Our aim is not to reach a school-wide consensus as to the future of immigration policies; rather we hope to provide students with the information and context to develop their own views, rooted in respect for the dignity of the human person. We hope that through exploration of the history of the US/Mexico border, the push/pull factors of immigration, the current immigration policies, and, most importantly, the stories of those who emigrate/immigrate, we will deepen and celebrate our belief that all people deserve love and respect. Students will have various opportunities to learn about the issue through classes, service immersions, service learning, speakers, liturgies and other school programming.

Important Dates:

• August 27, 2009 – Faculty In-service on School Theme
• September 23, 2009 – School Theme Assembly
• December 16, 2009 – Professional Development on School Theme
• April 7, 2010 – Professional Development on School Theme
• April 28, 2010 – School Theme Assembly

Enduring Understandings for School Theme

1. All people possess common hopes, dreams and desires. 
2. The push and pull factors associated with contemporary migration are complex and have their roots in historical, political and economic developments. 
3. By addressing root causes of poverty, persecution, war and economic development throughout the world, students will have greater understanding of the desperation many immigrants feel.
   
4. Catholic Social Teaching is based on and inseparable from our understanding of human life and human dignity. 
5. Hispanic immigrants have made many rich contributions to our nation’s culture. 
6. Our immigration and economic policies possess inherent complexities and challenges that impact immigration / migration policies. 
7. Human dignity is at stake on the US / Mexico border.