BOULDER, Colo. – A preschool in Boulder announced Monday that it would be shutting down at the end of November after the church it leases space from voted to become a sanctuary space for undocumented immigrants.
Tina Davis, the director of Active Boulder Kids, said in a statement to Denver7 more than half of the preschool's parents withdrew their children from the program after the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder made its decision.
With enrollment down significantly, approximately 22 kids were enrolled in the program, the director of the preschool said it could no longer afford to continue.
The announcement comes about a month after the majority of the church's congregation voted to add living quarters inside the church for immigrants seeking sanctuary, the Boulder Daily Camera reported.
Davis said parents whose kids are enrolled in the preschool brought up the matter to church leaders during a meeting last week, but Davis said the meeting ended in a sour note with leaders appearing to dismiss their concerns.
Davis said the preschool surveyed parents after last week's session with church officials and more than half of parents said they would be withdrawing their children, citing safety concerns.
“The teachers and I are deeply saddened by this and are emotional. We love our students and families here and understand that the parents are their children’s advocates and have made the best decision for their family under these circumstances,” Davis said in a statement to Denver7.
Church officials told the Boulder newspaper it considers offering sanctuary a religious duty.
