State Representative Chris Rabb moderated a compelling panel discussion on Feb. 19 hosted by Need in Deed, a Philadelphia organization based in Germantown that provides free consultation to educators and empowers students to advocate for change.

The event, held at the First United Methodist Church of Germantown (FUMCOG), drew a sizable audience both in person and via Zoom. Joining Rabb on the panel were City Councilmember Rue Landau; Shanée Garner, executive director of the Black-led education advocacy group Lift Every Voice Philly; Kristina Moon, senior attorney at the Education Law Center; and Erika Guadalupe Núñez, executive director of Juntos, a community-led Latine immigrant organization in South Philadelphia.

Themed "Philly Schools as Humane Spaces," the discussion advocated for the rights and needs of public school students, "especially immigrant, LGBTQIA+, and Black & Brown children in 2025."

"Great turnout and one of the most intentional and creative community events I've participated in," Rabb told the Local, adding that FUMCOG "is a very popular venue for community/progressive events."

The wide-ranging conversation addressed issues from bullying and discrimination against Black and LGBTQIA+ students to concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) potentially entering Philadelphia schools. Panelists responded to community-submitted questions and shared personal experiences from their education and professional backgrounds.

Before the panel discussion, attendees viewed a powerful video featuring quotes from Philadelphia students about their experiences and needs in schools. The event aimed to highlight challenges faced by students and showcase current advocacy efforts.

Addressing schools as sanctuary spaces, Rabb asked Núñez about her perspective, noting that "people have questioned the extent to which [the Mayor] is using her power and her status to support these vulnerable communities."

"We should absolutely be concerned. Anything but very active resistance to what we're facing right now is unacceptable," Núñez responded. While not directly referencing Mayor Cherelle Parker, her comment came in response to Rabb's question about mayoral leadership.

Núñez also described how Juntos supports non-English speaking students and those learning the language, highlighting innovative teaching methods that incorporate art—such as using artistic activities to teach mathematical concepts like fractions.

Councilmember Landau addressed the alarming rise in bullying faced by LGBTQIA+ students in schools.

"The cruelty of the anti-trans bullying, the transphobia, the homophobia, is getting so bad in schools," Landau stated, emphasizing that the current "top-down" response from the school system has proven inadequate to address these serious concerns.

Rabb added his own experiences with attempting to pass equitable funding legislation for Pennsylvania schools—an initiative he noted was previously dismissed as "radical" despite addressing fundamental educational inequities.

Kyra Atterbury, executive director of Need in Deed, told the Local that they chose Rabb because he’s local to their office, which is based in Germantown, and because he’s got a strong record of advocacy. 

“Rep. Rabb and his office are familiar with our work, and we know he has long been committed to education specifically in Philadelphia," Atterbury said.