New York: James Madison High School in New York is facing severe backlash after it was forced to suspend classes to house migrants on its premises. 2,000 migrants from Floyd Bennett field have been transported to the school and will be occupying its gymnasiums and auditorium overnight.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ announced the decision to move moving migrants from the tent shelter at Floyd Bennett Field for safety reasons due to the incoming storms and potential high winds. He was quoted by New York Daily News as saying, it was being done out of an “overabundance of caution.”
As a result James Madison High School confirmed that as it was being used as a “temporary overnight respite center” and would be closed as a result on Wednesday. Students will be forced to “pivot” to remote learning as a result.
Inna Vernikov, Council Member of New York City called the statement “unacceptable” and asked for authorities to stop using schools as shelters. She says decision to use Floyd Benet Field as a migrant facility was not appropriate as it’s vulnerable and not a sustainable housing facility.
“Our public schools are meant to be places of learning and growth for our children, and were never intended to be shelters or facilities for emergency housing,” Inna further added.
Elon Musk also criticised the move, “This is what happens when you run out of hotel rooms. Soon, cities will run out of schools to vacate. Then they will come for your homes.”
