[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6217736,"mediaKeyId","3643069-9d2c8f9612afc5656ed6a7ca3532bf75","parentId",3643069,"title","Union County speakers press schools for training, clearer ICE protocols after anti‑Semitic yearbook phrase","audioSeconds",1753,"startMs",725000,"endMs",2478000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3643069-9d2c8f9612afc5656ed6a7ca3532bf75&start=725&end=2478","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3643069-9d2c8f9612afc5656ed6a7ca3532bf75/thumbnail_725000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6217736/North-Carolina/Union-County-speakers-press-schools-for-training-clearer-ICE-protocols-after-antiSemitic-yearbook-phrase","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217736-33e443423bcaeca63db805083887c4d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770802531&Signature=G2ZcZHCVCHUVonxW-oezSeglLgWVrQa~98rOJXsIyyiRIX3iLZORnuneFJcvNYS8HtQsUtlPhSXtcpossIKdvue5GEzhBYaFQvBa1fYXxzA7tguK5WYsY63BTMeor~oilCF6c6y2UWBWEd45ViyMz3rpp-tSnpWDAEzV8q7UaGkvbmW72~S3YM2Ya7Q~swNcqNUMSvoRnMDb4tWznd9ExH-7wsZQOurkk~sMc6~2ejsLPMuBROBffoXXO7Ud~J9Rqapl9Levy8YK9I3T5mU-eYpvaofo9Be-tR1u1ooEG0LWQbi3nU3Gnshe0RnSD1RiyLl-itLQpp9XGqyJ1xkTjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-04T12:09:30Z","article","Community members at a June 2025 meeting of the Union County Board of Education urged the district to step up educator training and clarify protocols for immigration agents after an anti‑Semitic phrase appeared in the Marvin Ridge High School yearbook and several speakers described rising threats to Jewish, immigrant and other students.

Speakers said the phrase “From the River to the Sea” — which some commenters described as a call for violence — was published in a student yearbook and that district responses have sometimes been slow or inconsistent. Jordan Friedman, identified in remarks as a parent of a Marvin Ridge student, said: “From the River to the Sea … that is not freedom of speech. It is hate speech.”

Why it matters: Commenters argued that school staff need training to recognize modern forms of anti‑Semitism and other hate speech before large school events such as fall festivals and yearbook production cycles. Several speakers also tied concerns about hate to broader student safety issues — including immigrant families’ fears of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity at or near schools.

Multiple speakers asked the board to move training and awareness work forward quickly. The meeting heard that Douglas Green of the Greater Charlotte Jewish Federation has offered programming; one speaker said some programming was scheduled for November but urged the district to deliver training earlier so teachers and administrators would be prepared before fall campus events.

Speakers linked the yearbook phrase to a wider pattern of incidents. Rob Sandoval, identified as a parent and resident, urged the board to adopt a specific policy on immigration enforcement on school property and said: “We’re asking for a simple, lawful, moral commitment that Union County Public Schools must ban ICE from school grounds unless agents present a valid judicial warrant.” David Portillo, a community speaker, alleged an ICE detention of a local student and framed the detention as emblematic of the community’s fears; his statements were presented as claims made during public comment.

Superintendent Andrew G. Houlihan responded that the district’s student support department is working with the Greater Charlotte Jewish Federation and other partners on a proactive plan. Houlihan said the work will continue over the summer in preparation for the new school year. A board member also told the audience the district had acted quickly once alerted and praised staff outreach to related community groups.

What was requested: Commenters asked for (1) educator training on identifying contemporary anti‑Semitism and addressing hate speech; (2) earlier delivery of training than the November date mentioned by outside partners; (3) clear, public protocols about how the district handles contact by immigration authorities; and (4) broader, consistent enforcement of the district’s stated policies against hate.

No formal policy change or vote on ICE protocols or training was recorded at the meeting. Superintendent Houlihan described continuing work with partners; the board did not adopt a new rule during the session.

The meeting record shows multiple public commenters representing Jewish families, immigrant families, students and faith communities pressing the district for quicker, clearer action. District staff said they will continue planning and outreach over the summer ahead of the next school year.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Union County Public Schools Board of Education Meeting (June 3, 2025)","oneSentenceSummary","Community members at a June 2025 meeting of the Union County Board of Education urged the district to step up educator training and clarify protocols for immigration agents after an anti‑Semitic phrase appeared in the Marvin Ridge High School yearbook and several speakers described rising threats to Jewish, immigrant and other students.","taxTitle","Union County Public Schools, School Districts, North Carolina","taxId",14185,"location","North Carolina","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6217731,"Union County Board honors student and staff; superintendent lists graduations, summer programs and staff changes",485,111000,596000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3643069-9d2c8f9612afc5656ed6a7ca3532bf75&start=111&end=596","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3643069-9d2c8f9612afc5656ed6a7ca3532bf75/thumbnail_111000.jpg","/articles/6217731/North-Carolina/Union-County-Board-honors-student-and-staff-superintendent-lists-graduations-summer-programs-and-staff-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217731-578121349e853d5d22d74b21f5593ce9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770802531&Signature=mnqf3wInK3UOQqk1evxbu6ZeFop9XkQrtDNzNHBQcSCksZ-iKJ2wDAxaBltvPtZpviqD4dlr4E9N65H2YyfEmEMBIgMfvyIhXkDyJCTSY-AQJ2Hx1EYkRXamToQjfHpCdl0c64vMeL8wW6K4DCQLg1itzbCxMSSjGdiME3WI1gdMq81K6FzTrbSe2SOXmG166YO7NG2n9j-TgZNCcXV1SemE9SyCP4b3qSs1I3xlYRr7MVHvauZgg08WGexhQoQ8lFbN64Mpp-Lra22-53ROzujfZyEieYgClM2Q5gPJunfXaGzK2c~4-M0KpcXe6e2-Oz64Ozu308ymCh90hjLerw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its June 2025 meeting the Union County Board of Education recognized student and staff achievements and heard a superintendent report on graduations, summer programs and personnel changes.

The board presented the John H. Crowder service award for June 2025 to a Parkwood High School senior identified at the meeting as Braylon Hartis, who was described by presenters as an Air Force Junior ROTC cadet with multiple leadership roles, color guard participation and awards. The board asked attendees to join in congratulating Hartis before his planned departure for Marine Corps training in July 2025.

Superintendent Andrew G. Houlihan announced graduating class totals and summer services. Houlihan said the district will celebrate about 2,025 graduates with comprehensive‑high‑school ceremonies scheduled next week in high‑school stadiums and that ceremonies will be livestreamed. He said the UCPS mobile book bus and summer meal service will resume beginning Monday, June 16; the mobile book bus will travel across the county with free books and summer lunches will be served Monday through Thursday at specified schools.

The board also recognized two UCPS \"influencers\" for June: Xinjiang Chen, a Mandarin immersion teacher at Marvin Elementary, and Kristen Cutse, a bookkeeper at Waxhaw Elementary. Nominators Jerry Prosser and Kimberly Thomas read submissions praising the honorees’ dedication, communication and classroom or school‑community contributions. The board read a formal proclamation naming the two staff members UCPS influencers for June 2025.

Educational honors: Houlihan noted that Cuthbertson High School’s band was recognized by the National Band Association with a program‑of‑excellence blue‑ribbon award, described as the first in North Carolina and one of five nationwide recipients.

Personnel announcements: Houlihan said that Jared McCraw and Don Novak attended their final board meeting and thanked them for their service. He also welcomed Steve Hancock as the district’s new director of safety and security.

Votes at a glance: The meeting record shows routine procedural motions were approved by voice vote: approval of the minutes, approval of the consent agenda, and adjournment. The transcript records affirmative “Aye” responses but does not provide a roll‑call tally.

No new policies were adopted in the session; four policies and two administrative guidelines were listed for first review and board members were invited to ask questions and comment.","The Union County Board of Education presented the June John H. Crowder service award to a Parkwood High School senior and named two UCPS \"influencers\" for June. Superintendent Andrew G. Houlihan reviewed graduation dates, summer feeding and reading programs, and announced staff transitions and a new director of safety and security.","actionData","errors"]

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Union County speakers press schools for training, clearer ICE protocols after anti‑Semitic yearbook phrase

Union County Board honors student and staff; superintendent lists graduations, summer programs and staff changes