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Residents urge Cedar Rapids schools to adopt resolution protecting students regardless of immigration status
Summary
Nine public speakers asked the Cedar Rapids Community School District board to adopt a resolution declaring schools safe zones and to direct staff to provide legal and counseling supports for families concerned about immigration enforcement.
Several community members during public comment asked the Cedar Rapids Community School District Board of Education to adopt a formal resolution affirming that district schools are safe, supportive places for students regardless of immigration or citizenship status.
The request was voiced by multiple speakers representing community groups and individual residents. Gretchen Lawyer, who identified herself as an educator and resident, told the board, “The Cedar Rapids Community School District educates students who come to our community from around the world.” She asked the board to “remain committed to ensuring equal protection and safeguarding our students from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, citizenship, immigration status, or natural or national origin.”
Other speakers amplified that call. Chris Larson read a draft resolution that cites the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Plyler v. Doe and states that “a child's enrollment in public school may not be conditioned on a child's citizen status or immigration status.” The draft also directs that “all requests made of the district or its schools by ICE officials to access school information or school grounds shall be processed through the office of the superintendent, who will consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with the law.”
Members of Advocates for Social Justice and the Cedar Rapids Community Schools Foundation joined the speakers. Harold Waleiwa said the recent federal actions had created “fear mongering” and urged the district to protect students’ learning environments. Angel Ramirez, president of Advocates for Social Justice, described cases of students missing school because of fear and urged the board to adopt the resolution “that will make a clear statement to Cedar Rapids, Linn County, and all of Iowa that our district cares about the equal protection of our families here in our town, regardless of immigration status.”
Superintendent Dr. Grover acknowledged the comments during her superintendent’s report and noted district communications sent to families about privacy and interactions with law enforcement. The board later read a short prepared statement reaffirming the district’s commitment to safety and noting the district does not collect or store information about students’ immigration status. The board statement cited the U.S. Supreme Court’s Plyler v. Doe decision as background and said building administrators have guidelines for interactions with law enforcement.
No formal board vote on adopting the community-drafted resolution was recorded during the meeting. Board materials show the public comment record and the district’s existing guidelines were discussed; speakers asked the board to translate that commitment into an adopted resolution and to expand family supports such as legal guidance and counseling.
The board and superintendent said they will continue community engagement on these topics and that families received district communications with additional details about protocols and privacy protections.
