School districts across the country are issuing resolutions and updating policies to protect students’ rights in light of uncertainty regarding federal immigration enforcement activities in their schools. Many of these statements affirm the districts’ mission to ensure all students have a safe and positive learning environment, and they outline guidance to school personnel on how to respond to requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for data or access to their campus.
School leaders are actively affirming the welcoming environment they intend to maintain along with spelling out their non-discrimination policies, procedures for collecting student information, commitment to the communities they serve, and measures for communicating with students’ families. Some of the resolutions set up timelines for training of school staff, including teachers and campus police.
Below are links to some such statements. If your district of campus is considering issuing a resolution of its own, these samples can be a useful reference.
Indianapolis Public Schools Resolution Reaffirming the Commitment to Creating a Safe and Supportive Learning Environment for All Students Regardless of Immigration Status, February 23, 2017 (also in Spanish)
L.A. Unified Campuses as Safe Zones and Resource Centers for Students and Families Threatened by Immigration Enforcement, February 9, 2017 (also see reference guide)
Oakland CA USD Resolution Reaffirming District Facilities, Programs Are a Sanctuary for All Children and Adults, December 14, 2016 (also “OUSD is a Sanctuary District” resolution in multiple languages, resources and statement of support)
Resolution to Reaffirm the Board’s Commitment to the Admission, Safety and Privacy of our Students, San Antonio ISD, February 13, 2017 (plus FAQs Concerning Immigration Status and Students in Public Schools)
Other Resources
Teachers Guide for Supporting Immigrant and Refugee Students, Austin ISD, February 23, 2017
ICE Policy Memo: Enforcement Actions at or Focused on Sensitive Locations – “designed to ensure that these enforcement actions do not occur at nor are focused on sensitive locations such as schools and churches” unless certain circumstances exist. This 2011 memo was recirculated in August 2016 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the current DHS Secretary stated recently that it is still active.
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