GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) — The New York Times published a report over the weekend alleging the mistreatment of children including some within the Grand Rapids Public Schools family.
GRPS Superintendent Leadriane Roby released the following statement in response to concerns raised in the article.
“Like many of you, I read the details of the New York Times story about the working conditions of young migrants with deep concern.
I was alarmed and dismayed at the allegations surrounding the mistreatment of some of our scholars mentioned in the article.
The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not sit idly on concerns like this in our community.
We are already in contact with our elected leaders at the state and federal level to discuss the ways we can ensure our most vulnerable scholars are protected no matter their journey into our care.
We are also connecting with GRPS families who may find themselves susceptible to conditions mentioned in the article to ensure they have the support they need to protect our children.
I’m proud to serve in a community where those looking to profit at the expense of the wellbeing of our children will not stand.“
— Leadriane Roby, Ph.D
Superintendent, Grand Rapids Public Schools
NYT Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/25/us/unaccompanied-migrant-child-workers-exploitation.html
WOODTV8 Story: https://www.woodtv.com/news/grand-rapids/absolutely-wrong-grps-worries-about-child-migrant-labor-report/
