Local Connection: Support for Afghan refugees, people living in outdoor encampments, control of local schools

With thousands of Afghans fleeing an uncertain future under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, Vietnamese Americans are stepping forward in support of the refugees, NPR reports. Many of the Vietnamese Americans are the children of refugees who fled Saigon in the waning days of the Vietnam War. They are assisting Afghans who have already arrived in the United States and are urging officials to admit as many refugees as possible. 

In the summer of 2020, at least 380 people were living in outdoor encampments in St. Paul, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. But in early August, city officials put that number at 24. As of early August, that number had dropped by more than 90% to 24, according to city officials. The city has used some of it's Covid-19 aid to provide other accommodations and it has stopped servicing encampments with such things as food and portable toilets. In many places across the country, the tolerance for such encampments grew during the first year of the pandemic. Now, cities like Seattle are removing the camps, even though health officials are advising against it, The Seattle Times reports.

Finally, as schools reopen for the 2021-22 academic year, a hodgepodge of rules have emerged about whether students, faculty and staff need to wear masks. In some places school administrators advocate one policy while political leaders advocate a vastly different policy, That raises this question: Who has the ultimate power to make the decision about masks? The answer, The Conversation reports, is unclear.

PLUS: A pro tip from Johnette Howard, co-author of Billie Jean King's new autobiography, "All In."

THE STORY: NUMBER LIVING IN OUTDOOR CAMPS DECLINES IN ST. PAUL

In the summer of 2020, at least 380 people were living in outdoor encampments in St. Paul, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. But in early August, city officials put that number at 24. As of early August, that number had dropped by more than 90% to 24, according to city officials. The city has used some of it's Covid-19 aid to provide other accommodations and it has stopped servicing encampments with such things as food and portable toilets. In many places across the country, the tolerance for such encampments grew during the first year of the pandemic. Now, cities like Seattle are removing the camps, even though health officials are advising against it, The Seattle Times reports.

LOCALIZE IT: Check with your local authorities and political leaders about what the current state of homelessness is in your area. Was there a policy or practice of looking the other way about encampments? If there was, is that still in place?  

Here are some questions to ask:

• In 2020, did the community see an increase in people living outdoors because of homelessness?
• What numbers are available on that?
• Did encampments development in certain areas of the community?
• What was the response to those encampments? Did the local government remove them? Or did the local government follow advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that they not be dismantled?
• What is the current status of homelessness in the area? How many people are currently living outdoors?
• Has any federal aid for Covid-19 been used to provide accommodations for homeless people? if yes, how much? If no, why not?
• Has the local government been receiving complaints about homeless encampments?
• Is there a plan in place or being devised to address the situation?

THE STORY: WHO HAS THE POWER TO SAY WHETHER KIDS HAVE TO WEAR MASKS IN SCHOOL — THE GOVERNOR OR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT? IT'S NOT CLEAR

As schools reopen for the 2021-22 academic year, a hodgepodge of rules have emerged about whether students, faculty and staff need to wear masks. In some places school administrators advocate one policy while political leaders advocate a vastly different policy, That raises this question: Who has the ultimate power to make the decision about masks? The answer, The Conversation reports, is unclear. As of Aug. 16, 2021, laws were enacted or governors issued orders in eight states banning public schools from requiring students to wear masks. In contrast, 12 states and the District of Columbia are requiring students to wear masks indoors. In some places, school districts are defying state-imposed mandates, CNN reports.

LOCALIZE IT: Local control of schools has long been a cherished precept in the United States. But various issues, including masks, censorship and curriculum, have often tested those notions. The mask issue provides a good opportunity to explain to your audience where control of schools truly rests. (NOTE: The Conversation article is available for republication at no cost if you follow these terms and conditions.)

Here are some questions to ask:

• What are the rules regarding masks for local schools?
• Who established the rules?
• Who is responsible for enforcing the rules?
• Is this the same as other control aspects of the local schools?
• What responsibilities do principals and district administrators have?
• What powers rest with the Board of Education? Be specific. Give examples.
• What control does the state education department have? Give examples.
• Where does the Legislature come in with determining practices in local schools. Give examples.
• What power does the governor have to control schools by executive order?
• Have any conflicts regarding control of the schools be taken to the courts?
• What means does the federal government have to exert pressure on local schools?
• Do local administrators find it difficult to navigate the various channels?
• Do local administrators have any examples of issues that have been frustrating to deal with because of the various levels of oversight and control?