Parents, community members press Provo School Board for clarity after new DHS guidance on "sensitive locations"

Parents and other community members urged the Provo City School Board on Jan. 28 to reassure families — especially those who are undocumented or who live in immigrant households — after the Department of Homeland Security released guidance appearing to narrow protections for so-called "sensitive locations," such as schools.

The comments came during public input at the board's regular meeting at 280 West 940 North. Speakers asked how the district will respond if immigration enforcement officers appear on or near school grounds, whether children could be removed from schools, and how the district will communicate with families.

Why it matters: Speakers said uncertainty about enforcement policy is causing fear among students and families and could harm attendance and learning if not addressed. Several parents and community members asked the district to issue clear, uniform guidance so front-line staff and families know what to expect.

Several callers recited or cited federal guidance and law. Chris Hardy summarized recent guidance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and a Department of Homeland Security memo, saying the new DHS text "claims rescinds previous guidelines" that limited enforcement in sensitive locations and that the DHS memo stated "criminal aliens ... will no longer be able to hide in America's schools and churches to avoid arrest." Hardy asked whether the district can prevent immigration officers from entering schools and how the district will protect legal U.S. residents from interrogation or detention.

Susan Sissoko, who identified herself as a parent at Provo Peaks Elementary, cited the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and urged the board to "send a notice to parents, particularly in the community that's being targeted, assuring them that schools are a safe place." She read from a draft letter and told the board she would submit the letter by email.

Ethan Unclesby, who said he has children in Timpanogos and Provo Peaks schools, praised the district's stated approach of requiring a judicial warrant before permitting enforcement actions on campus and urged consistent, districtwide messaging so one administrator does not undermine others. "We need to make sure that uninformed front desk employees don't make a mistake," he said.

Rachel Unclesby, also a parent, focused on how students would be affected emotionally if an arrest or interrogation occurred on school grounds. She asked whether children would have access to medication, a phone call, or a parent during any detention and urged the district to plan for what happens before, during and after any enforcement interaction.

Carol Long, who said her son attends a charter within the district, relayed advice from an immigration lawyer: deportations are often triggered by nonviolent infractions such as driving without a license. She urged the board to clearly explain rights and processes to families so students are not traumatized by enforcement actions.

District response: Wendy Dow, superintendent of Provo City School District, told the board she wanted to reassure attendees that the district already has established procedures for law enforcement contacts on school property. "We never allow a police officer to go into a classroom and obtain a student," Dow said. She said front office staff are trained to notify principals immediately if someone presents a warrant and that administrators handle law enforcement interactions privately.

Dow said the district's procedures align with district policy and state law and that principals have been given materials and website links to share with families. "We also, on that form, shared several websites with our principals that have access to organizations, individuals that they can direct families to," she said. She added that student family advocates and student services staff have resources to support families.

What the board said: Board President Jennifer Partridge thanked speakers and said members shared many of the sentiments expressed in public comment. The board did not take formal action during the public-comment period but the superintendent was invited to speak and described the district's current practices and communications plan.

Ending: Speakers urged the board to make the district's guidance visible and consistent, particularly in schools serving communities they described as most affected. The superintendent said the district would post a general notice on its website and encourage principals to provide targeted communication to their communities.