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

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.