Residents urge East Ramapo schools to protect students amid immigration enforcement fears

Dozens of community members told the East Ramapo Central School District Board of Education on Tuesday that they fear immigration enforcement actions will reach into schools and asked the district to reaffirm protections for students and families.

The comments came during public comment, when multiple speakers said immigrant families in Spring Valley and elsewhere in the district are worried that immigration authorities could try to remove students from school or access student records.

Interim Superintendent DeCarlo said the district will direct any outside inquiries about students to his office and that he and legal counsel are handling the issue. “If anybody would show up, put a hand blow of ice or anybody else, they ought to direct them to my office,” DeCarlo said. “Nobody will be able to come into our buildings and remove any student whatsoever.”

Speakers urged several specific steps: a public announcement that the district will not share immigration status; continued confidentiality of family and student information; refusal to coordinate with immigration enforcement; and onsite mental-health support for students who are frightened. One speaker said teachers should be trained to reassure students and suggested orientation for students about the situation. Another urged a district-wide student advisory group to address cafeteria food concerns and other student needs.

“Please don’t let us down. Protect our families, our futures, and our education,” a student speaker said during public comment.

DeCarlo and board members repeatedly distinguished school grounds from actions that could occur off campus, noting the district’s limited jurisdiction outside school property while stressing protections inside buildings. DeCarlo said matters that occur at students’ homes would involve local law enforcement or town and county authorities.

Why it matters: speakers said fear of enforcement is affecting students’ attendance and wellbeing. The board did not take formal action during the meeting on new district policy; DeCarlo said his office and the district attorney will handle inquiries and that the district has been preparing communications for buildings to calm students.

A next step noted at the meeting: district administrators will coordinate communications to buildings and families; the superintendent said his office and legal counsel are monitoring developments and will provide direction to staff.