Detroit teachers union asks district to reaffirm commitment to immigrant students in new contract

February 18, 2026

The Detroit Federation of Teachers is preparing to negotiate a new contract as their current agreement expires June 30, with immigration support protections as a major priority following increased federal enforcement that has led to at least five student detentions and declining enrollment in immigrant communities. The union is seeking mandatory staff training on immigration issues, contract language reinforcing the district's sanctuary status, and protections for immigrant employees, despite the district having provided only limited training to some staff members. Additional bargaining priorities include competitive salary increases to attract and retain teachers, paid maternity leave to replace the current unpaid 16-week policy, and more resources for special education programs where unrealistic evaluation timelines are causing staff burnout.

Who is affected

Students impacted by immigration enforcement, including at least five who have been detained
Immigrant families and English learners, particularly in Southwest Detroit schools
Parents who are afraid to walk their children to school
Teachers and educators seeking better support, training, and working conditions
Detroit Federation of Teachers union members
District employees with varying immigration statuses
Special education teachers working with students with autism spectrum disorder
Staff conducting special education evaluations
Families who have lost members to ICE detention

What action is being taken

The Detroit Federation of Teachers is preparing to begin contract negotiations in the coming weeks
Superintendent Vitti is meeting with community leaders in Southwest Detroit to discuss support strategies
School staff and central office staff are working with community leaders to provide additional resources to immigrant families
The board entered a closed session on Tuesday night to discuss negotiations
The district has provided some training to certain staff members (though characterized as insufficient)

Why it matters

This contract negotiation matters because immigrant students and families in Detroit are experiencing significant fear and disruption due to increased federal immigration enforcement, directly impacting school attendance and enrollment. The teachers' working conditions and their ability to support vulnerable student populations are at stake, with broader implications for educational stability, student achievement, and the district's capacity to recruit and retain quality educators. The outcome will determine whether Detroit schools can effectively function as a sanctuary district and provide adequate protections and resources for both immigrant students and employees. Additionally, addressing special education staffing challenges and compensation issues affects the district's ability to serve all students' needs equitably.

What's next

Contract discussions will begin in the coming weeks
The Detroit Federation of Teachers will formally request immigration support provisions, sanctuary district language, competitive wage increases, paid maternity leave, and additional special education resources in the new contract
Negotiations will continue between the district and the union to reach a new agreement before the June 30 expiration date

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com