Resident urges board to adopt Safe Zone Resolution to limit immigration enforcement in schools

Carol Hetton Holmes, a resident representing an Indivisible group, called on the board to adopt a Safe Zone Resolution to ensure schools remain safe environments for immigrant students and families.

Holmes said immigration enforcement has created anxiety for immigrant families and that the resolution would prohibit collecting immigration information in schools and establish clear protocols for responding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requests. She emphasized the resolution would not prevent compliance with signed judicial warrants presented by ICE, saying schools would comply as required by law. Holmes framed the measure as intended to protect students’ right to education and reduce fear and intimidation in schools.

She asked the board to support the Safe Zone Resolution and noted other districts have passed similar measures. The board did not indicate a formal vote on a resolution at this meeting.