Public comment on ICE detention prompts committee to emphasize student privacy and social-emotional supports
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Summary
A public speaker and committee members raised concerns about a 13-year-old student reportedly removed by immigration authorities. School leaders described privacy limits under FERPA, training and protocols, and the district’s social-emotional resources for students and families.
A public comment at the Everett School Committee meeting on Oct. 20, 2025, called for action after a 13-year-old student was reportedly taken by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Committee members and district leaders responded with a public discussion of privacy, available supports and steps the district has taken to help affected students and families.
David Fortin, who identified himself as a parent and grandparent, raised the case during public comment and asked whether the district or committee was pursuing an investigation and what steps were being taken to help the student return to Everett.
"This is a serious problem, ladies and gentlemen. Should not have ever been done," Fortin said, calling for information and assistance.
Why it matters: Committee members and administrators said the incident has heightened fear in parts of the school community. Officials emphasized that some information is protected by federal privacy law and that the district’s role is to educate and support students regardless of immigration status.
Privacy and legal limits Chairperson Samantha Hurley and committee member Ms. Babcock reminded the public that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) limits what school officials can disclose about a student. Babcock said circulating identifying details about a juvenile can cause harm and confusion.
Superintendent Bill Hart said the district is focused on supporting students and families and has increased social-emotional resources in recent years. "We added 20 additional social workers," Hart said, noting the district has been expanding counseling and behavioral supports to respond to crises.
Assistant Superintendent Dennis Lynch described training and protocols the district uses for situations involving immigration enforcement. Lynch said the district has been in contact with the state attorney general’s office and the Office for Refugees and Immigrants; he said those offices and the district have provided "know your rights" trainings and guidance about how schools should respond.
Supports offered and community partners Lynch said schools are addressing students’ needs through guidance counselors, licensed social workers, attendance interventions and referrals to community partners including Cambridge Health Alliance and the Elliot Family Resource Center. He said staff have been instructed to treat attendance compassionately and to address each case individually.
Committee members also noted state-level protections. School Committee member Almeda Barrows said Massachusetts codified protections for student access to education and that DESE guidance is being distributed to districts.
Procedural outcome The School Committee discussed the issue at length and later voted to refer the matter back to the sponsor — an administrative procedural step that will allow the committee to return to the item for follow-up. Several committee members urged the community not to circulate rumors while an investigation and support work continue.
Ending Hart and Lynch told the committee they would share training materials and guidance with committee members and reiterated the district’s commitment to student privacy and to providing social-emotional services to students and families in need.
