Evergreen School Board adopts resolution affirming protections for undocumented students

Evergreen School District's Board of Directors on March 11 adopted Resolution 7021, reaffirming its policy that school buildings should be safe, welcoming and inclusive for all students regardless of immigration or citizenship status.

The measure, which the board approved after a motion by Director Rob Perkins and a second from Director Bocanegra, cites federal and state law and directs district staff to continue training and enforce confidentiality and anti-harassment policies. "To the maximum extent permitted under law, we reaffirm our commitment to a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for every student," the resolution states in part.

The nut graf: Board members and students said the resolution updates earlier language and reflects recent student input and concerns about immigration enforcement in schools. The resolution lists specific directives to the superintendent and staff intended to reduce disruption from enforcement actions, require training, and protect student information.

Key points from the resolution and board discussion - Legal and policy basis: The resolution cites Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Supreme Court decisions including Lau v. Nichols (414 U.S. 563) and Plyler v. Doe (457 U.S. 202). It also cites state statutes RCW 28A.320.015 and RCW 28A.225.010 and the Washington State Constitution (Article IX) as context for the district's authority and obligations. - Directives adopted: The board directed the superintendent to continue staff training on duties related to student safety; instructed staff not to inquire about or record students' immigration or family status and to refrain from unauthorized disclosure; required staff to monitor campuses for unauthorized individuals; and encouraged families to keep emergency contacts up to date. The resolution calls on federal agencies to avoid enforcement actions in "sensitive locations" such as schools. - Policy references: The resolution references district operational expectations and board policies including OE-10 (safe, supportive learning environment) and policy 3207 and directs application of existing disciplinary procedures where policies are violated.

Superintendent Dr. Maloney praised students and staff for contributing to the updated language and told the board the text incorporated student perspective gathered at Mountain View High School. Board President Jackie Weatherspoon said the student input was valuable to crafting language that reflects student concerns.

Votes and formal action Director Rob Perkins moved to adopt Resolution 7021; Director Bocanegra seconded. Board President Jackie Weatherspoon called the question; the board voted in favor and the chair declared the resolution adopted.

Why it matters Board members and community speakers framed the resolution as a response to community concern that immigration enforcement or related harassment can disrupt learning and create safety fears. The measure directs district staff actions (training, confidentiality, monitoring) that the district can implement administratively and signals the board's stance on enforcement in school settings.

Provenance (transcript excerpts) First related transcript excerpt: "The next item on our agenda is matters reserved for board action. We have our resolution affirming the rights of undocumented students ... Resolution number 7021." (transcript timestamp ~00:01:13–00:01:18) Last related transcript excerpt: "Director Perkins moves that we adopt resolution 7,021 as presented. Seconded by Director Bocan Negra. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed?" (transcript timestamp ~00:07:06–00:07:42)

Ending: The board folded student input into the adopted text and directed the superintendent to continue implementing training and confidentiality measures; the motion carried and the resolution will be reflected in district practice as described by the adopted directives.