Parents, students and advocates urge Wake County board to protect immigrant students; Title IX and DEI debates continue in public comment

Dozens of community members addressed the Wake County Board of Education on Feb. 4, urging the district to shield immigrant families from immigration enforcement at schools, calling for clearer guidance and staff training, and pressing the board to protect students’ safety and privacy. The public comment period also included sharply divergent views on Title IX, transgender-student policies and DEI programs.

What speakers asked for - Strong district guidance to limit cooperation with immigration enforcement at schools and to ensure parents are present before any questioning of students. Several speakers said families are afraid to ride buses or attend school because of enforcement actions. Fernando Martinez of the Education Justice Alliance told the board the immigrant community is “confused” and “afraid” and urged the district to be “bolder” in safeguarding families. - Training for school staff and bus drivers so they can distinguish lawful court orders from other documents and avoid misleading or coercive interactions, a practical step several speakers requested. - Mental-health supports and culturally competent counseling for students who the public said are experiencing increased stress and fear; multiple parents and organizers asked the…