Cherelle Parker is the 100th mayor of Philadelphia, and was previously an English teacher at a public high school in Philadelphia, working specifically as an ESL instructor for immigrant children and adults.

This discussion will explore the evolving role of ICE in Philadelphia, including recent City Council legislation addressing its presence, as well as broader questions of immigration policy at the local level. Mayor Parker will also examine the impact of federal education budget cuts on Philadelphia’s public schools, and outline how her administration is working to prioritize safe and stable learning environments for all students.

With strong ties to the topics of education and immigration, Parker will discuss ICE deployment in Philadelphia and recent city council legislation on broader presence in the city. Moreover, as a long-time champion of public education, Parker will offer insights into how federal budget cuts to education are impacting Philadelphia’s public schools, specifically exploring how the city plans to respond to these challenges and prioritize safe and stable learning environments for all students.

This event will highlight current urban policy challenges and the policy wins championed by Parker’s office. It’s especially relevant for students interested in public policy, education, and political science.