During citizen's request at the June 11 Westborough School Committee meeting, recent graduate Isadora Oliveira and resident Diane McCrisson urged the district to do more to protect immigrant families and address racial harassment in schools.

Isadora Oliveira, identifying herself as a member of Westborough’s Hispanic and Latino community and a 2023 graduate, described racial slurs and vandalism she said she had seen while a student and expressed fear that ICE enforcement could separate families. “My parents are scared to go to work and get picked up and never return home,” Oliveira said, describing the impact on her younger brother and other students.

She told the committee she had reported racist graffiti and an incident in which a teacher allegedly referred to immigrants as “aliens,” and said she felt the school response had been insufficient in some past situations. Oliveira asked why the district does not provide information about what to do if ICE appears at a bus stop or school and suggested resources or educational materials to protect at-risk students.

Diane McCrisson, a resident at 32 Fisher Street, also urged the committee to support families and noted community discussion and events where these topics could be raised, including an upcoming downtown improvement project meeting.

School committee members affirmed they generally do not respond during public comment but the chair apologized that Oliveira had to recount those experiences and expressed regret. Superintendent Allison spoke directly after public comment, saying district leaders “immediately in January following executive orders…put our heads together and talked very openly and began communicating out about our obligation to all of our students whose families come from other countries.” She said the district is committed to students’ safety and to continuing work to make families feel welcome.

The committee did not vote or take formal action in response to the speakers’ requests during the meeting; Allison said administrators may follow up if they choose and encouraged community members to share written comments with the chair.

The public-comment speakers and the superintendent emphasized concern for student safety and the need for clear communication and supports for families who fear immigration enforcement or who experience racial harassment.