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Superintendent offers 'safe zone' resolution and procedures to shield student and staff records from immigration enforcement
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Laura White previewed a proposed resolution declaring the district a 'safe zone' for students and described attached procedures to handle requests from federal immigration authorities; the resolution will be included with procedures for board action next week.
Dr. Laura White, superintendent, introduced a draft "safe zone" resolution at the Jan. 21 Committee of the Whole saying the district intends to be "a place for students to learn, to thrive, and to seek assistance, information, and support" where procedures govern responses to federal immigration‑enforcement requests.
White said administrators have issued procedures stating that any federal agency request for student information or access should come to the administration office for review. She told the committee the resolution "declares that the district to be a safe zone for its students" and that the resolution incorporates district procedures to protect students' access to a free public K‑12 education regardless of immigration status.
White cited federal privacy law and Illinois state law as constraints on what the district may disclose. She specifically referenced FERPA (the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), noting the district will contact legal counsel if presented with a judicial warrant to ensure compliance with the law. When asked whether the protections extend to employees, White said the procedures would apply to staff records as well and that legal counsel would advise on responses.
Board members expressed support for the policy and emphasized the importance of clear procedures and social-emotional supports for students who may feel anxious. One member said she worried families might keep children home without the protections; another asked whether SEL staff would be mobilized to support students. White said procedures and supports will be coordinated with the district’s SEL staff and that finalized procedures will be attached to the resolution when it is brought for board action next week.
No formal vote on the resolution was recorded at the Committee of the Whole; the item was described as coming forward for board action with the procedures attached.
