Mirelsie Velázquez, associate professor of Latina/o Studies and Education Policy, Organization & Leadership, has published an article for the Latino News Network.
Her article, "The Future of Puerto Rico: Consider Needs of the Children," examines the challenges facing her native Puerto Rico amidst an education and migration crisis.
"Since Hurricane Maria in 2017, there has been a dramatic shift in the population numbers across the archipelago, with the number declining to about 3.2 million according to reports from the Pew Research Center," says Velazquez. " This outmigration of teachers and students does not just reflect an opportunity but a necessity. Between 2017 and 2021, Puerto Rico has seen numerous school closings and schools sold to private organizations."
"And for those schools that remain open, disinvestment in schools and services across the archipelago has made it imperative that families make the decision to leave Puerto Rico to meet the needs of their children."
Velázquez wrote the article in connection with her appointment as an Op-Ed Project Public Voices Fellow.
