MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – A former teacher and Minnesota congressional candidate, May Lor Xiong, has voiced concerns about the impact of Gov. Tim Walz’s pandemic guidelines on immigrant students in the state. Xiong, who taught in public schools for 20 years, recently shared with Fox News Digital that she believes many immigrant students, as well as students of color, have suffered significant learning loss as a result of the pandemic.
During her interview, Xiong highlighted that a concerning 50% of students in Minnesota are currently not reading on their grade level following the disruptions caused by the pandemic. She expressed her firsthand experience of witnessing students struggling to read and write at or even below their grade level, emphasizing the need for continued support and intervention to address these educational gaps.
In her efforts to support her students, many of whom are from immigrant families, Xiong revealed that she had to go above and beyond by personally visiting their homes to assist them with accessing essential tools for virtual learning, such as the internet and iPads. This hands-on approach underscores the challenges faced by immigrant families who may have limited resources or language barriers that further hinder their children’s educational progress.
As a candidate in Minnesota’s 4th Congressional District, Xiong is passionate about advocating for the needs of diverse communities, including Hmong Americans, Korean, Hispanic, and Somali immigrants. She emphasized the importance of engaging with these communities to understand their specific concerns, which she identified as the economy, education, and crime.
One of the key issues raised by Xiong is the perceived influence of socialist ideologies in the education system, which she believes is impacting the quality of education students receive. She expressed the need for a leader who prioritizes academic excellence and values the prosperity of all communities within the district, signaling her commitment to bringing about positive change.
In addition to her concerns about the educational impact of the pandemic, Xiong criticized Gov. Walz’s handling of the civil unrest in Minneapolis in 2020. She accused Walz of allowing the city to “burn down” and warned of the potential consequences if he and Vice President Kamala Harris were to be re-elected, suggesting a lack of confidence in their ability to maintain law and order.
Despite the challenges and criticisms she has raised, Xiong remains optimistic about the potential for positive change in her district and the country as a whole. She is determined to be a voice for marginalized communities and to champion initiatives that promote educational equity, economic prosperity, and public safety.
Overall, Xiong’s perspective sheds light on the complex issues facing immigrant students and communities in Minnesota, underscoring the importance of addressing educational disparities and fostering a supportive environment for all learners. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it will be crucial for leaders at all levels to prioritize the needs of diverse populations and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.