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Public commenters urge Wappingers board to adopt NEA 'safe zone' policy after district reversal on ICE arrests
Summary
During public comment the same evening, community volunteers asked the board to adopt the NEA Safe Zone policy, saying a recent change allowing ICE arrests in schools threatens immigrant students and families.
Two community volunteers spoke during the Jan. 27 public comment period and asked the Wappingers Central School District Board of Education to adopt the National Education Association’s Safe Zone policy after what they described as a recent reversal of a 2011 district policy that they said now permits Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to make arrests on school property.
Dr. Donald Frustula, a volunteer with Indivisibles 845, told the board he and his organization were "alarmed at a recent reversal of a 2011 policy that now allows ICE officers to make arrests in schools," and asked the board to review and adopt the NEA Safe Zone policy to help students and families feel safe on campus. He said such a change could undermine trust with immigrant students and cited his decades of experience working with students of limited English proficiency.
Rory Solon, a resident and volunteer with Defense of Democracy, repeated the concern and asked whether the district has a plan and staff training in place should ICE activity occur on school property. He asked the board to provide reassurance to families and staff about steps the district will take.
Board members present did not take an immediate vote on the request during the Jan. 27 meeting. The board's public‑comment introduction reiterated that public comment is for the board to listen and that state and federal privacy laws limit the district’s response to comments about specific students or personnel.
The speakers asked the board to consider adopting the NEA Safe Zone policy and for clarity on any district steps or training related to enforcement activity on school grounds.
