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Norwich Board adopts policy on ICE response and protections for undocumented students after heated debate
Summary
The Norwich Board of Education on Feb. 11 adopted Policy No. 5549, which sets procedures for how the district responds if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) appears on school property.
The Norwich Board of Education on Feb. 11 adopted Policy No. 5549, titled “Welcoming Immigration and Refugee Communities and Protection of Undocumented Students.” The policy restates the district’s visitor procedures and provides a written guide for staff and principals on how the district will respond if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) appears on school property.
Acting Superintendent Susan Lessard said the policy is intended to limit disruption to students while making clear the district will comply with lawful judicial warrants or exigent circumstances. “If there is, you know, judicial warrants or exigent circumstances, which require, for ICE to enter the building and pursue someone, we would comply,” Lessard told the board.
Administrators said the policy establishes liaison procedures with the Norwich Police Department so school staff can promptly involve local law enforcement when necessary; front office staff will have quick-access contact information for administration and police. Lessard described the policy and the accompanying quick-guide as a living document that will be updated as circumstances change.
The proposal prompted extended discussion among board members. Some speakers urged the district to reassure families and community members that schools will not be unnecessarily disrupted. Other board members expressed concern about district staff providing resources that could be interpreted as assisting undocumented adults; those speakers urged caution and emphasized enforcement of existing visitor rules.
After debate the board voted to adopt Policy 5549. The motion was made from the floor and seconded; the motion passed and the policy was entered into the district’s policy set. The meeting transcript records the motion and subsequent “Aye” votes; the transcript does not provide a full named roll-call tally.
Ending: Administrators said principals will share the quick-guide with school staff and that the district will continue to refine the document as legal or operational guidance changes.
