School committee refers ICE-response policy to subcommittee after members ask for formal guidance

Brockton School Committee members voted unanimously on Sept. 3 to refer a formal policy on interactions with immigration authorities to the policy subcommittee after district leaders described existing protocols and staff guidance. "Our plan is to next week just send out a reminder to all of the principals, reminding them these are the protocols," Superintendent Dr. Taheliyani said, describing guidance previously distributed to principals, front-office staff and bus drivers. She added that requests from ICE or law enforcement are directed to central office and that the district’s attorney reviews any warrant or request. Committee member Victor Vega said he had received community questions about what staff should do if ICE agents approach a school and moved that the policy subcommittee review the need for an official district policy. The motion was seconded by Jorge Gomes and passed unanimously after a voice/hand vote. Board members and the superintendent discussed supplemental steps the district is taking, including providing "Know Your Rights" cards in multiple languages to students and partnering with community organizations such as the Mirror Coalition for resources. Mayoral staff offered the expertise of Courtney Henderson, the city’s director of immigration services, as a resource for school-side planning. The referral directs the policy subcommittee to draft or review district guidance that clarifies staff responsibilities and the process for involving central office and legal counsel when authorities request access to students or student information.