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Tempe Union board adopts immigration-related addition to student search policy after extended public comment
Summary
The Tempe Union High School District Governing Board voted 5-0 to adopt amendments to policy JIH (student interrogation, searches and arrest) after more than a dozen public commenters urged protections for students facing immigration enforcement.
The Tempe Union High School District Governing Board voted unanimously to adopt an immigration-related addition to policy JIH, the district policy on student interrogation, searches and arrest.
Board President Barraza opened the discussion on item G1, describing the matter as the second reading and adoption of policy JIH. The board then heard 11 public comments on the item before taking a recorded vote.
Why it matters: Supporters said the policy change clarifies how district staff should respond to immigration-related actions on campus and aims to protect students’ safety, privacy and access to education. Several speakers asked the board to require a judicial warrant before cooperating with immigration enforcement and to ensure parents are notified when possible.
Public commenters described personal and professional experiences. Jennifer Red, a community member, said, “When I got the resolution via the parent app, I was so relieved.” Terry Becker, who identified herself as the mother of a Mountain Pointe junior, said the amendment gives her “hope” and urged the board to adopt it to protect vulnerable students. Rodrigo Palacios, president of the Tempe Secondary Education Association, told the board the amendment “is a necessary step in protecting our students and upholding their legal rights” and recommended requiring a judicial warrant and legal review before cooperating with immigration-related actions. Other witnesses — including alumni, teachers and school leaders — described fear among students and families and urged the board to codify limits on district cooperation with enforcement.
District and legal context: Multiple speakers referenced recent federal actions and legal guidance on immigration enforcement. Heather Schlemmer, an administrator in another district and a social-emotional learning specialist, said legal guidance from immigration law firms indicates Immigration and Customs Enforcement cannot enter nonpublic areas without consent or a judicial warrant “absent exigent circumstances,” and urged clear, consistent staff responses.
Board action and vote: After public comment the board moved to approve the second reading and adoption of item G1. The motion passed 5-0. The governing board recorded the vote as President Barraza — yes; Vice President Steele — yes; Board Member Montero — yes; Board Member Hodge — yes; Board Member Gutierrez Miller — yes.
Next steps: The board did not attach additional staff direction in the meeting minutes beyond adopting the policy amendment. Board members indicated the item was a formal adoption; any implementation or staff training details were not specified during the public meeting.
