Recent efforts to reform our immigration laws have ignited protests in schools across the country. Prince William County has had its share of students walking out of class to express their concerns. What lessons can we learn from our young immigrants and neighbors? That pitting illegal immigrants against legal immigrants by proposing that illegal migrants be treated as felons is grossly un-American and unjust, and that they know this country is a country of immigrants. They want to be treated humanely.

To secure a kinder, gentler, more civil community, we should:

· Hold diversity dialogues and empowerment sessions throughout the county.

· Invite successful immigrants in our community as facilitators of the dialogues.

· Use the language of reconciliation with our immigrant neighbors to decrease the tensions.

· Emphasize to young immigrants the need for and the value of education.

As a native of Haiti, I can tell you that I have firsthand experience of the frustration and fear of the U.S. immigration process. Nevertheless, I relish the idea that, as naturalized Americans, we can use our First Amendment rights. The students have expressed that right. Now, I support our school superintendent's call to all of the parents to encourage our students to attend school. Education is the great equalizer.

-- Manes Pierre

is a teacher at Freedom High School

in Woodbridge.