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Parents and advocates urge district to protect immigrant and LGBTQ students, request ICE response protocol
Summary
During public comment, parents and advocates praised district support for LGBTQ and immigrant students, criticized misinformation, and urged the board to adopt formal policies and a one‑page staff protocol for handling ICE or law‑enforcement requests; speakers also raised concerns about limited vegetarian lunch options.
Multiple community members used the public‑comment period at the Nov. 21 meeting to urge the board to protect immigrant and LGBTQ students and to adopt clearer response procedures for immigration enforcement activity.
Meta Mendel Reyes, a PCCS grandmother, thanked the district for prior protections and said local efforts matter in protecting vulnerable families. Rachel Hayes, a PFLAG board member, thanked the superintendent and the board majority for supporting LGBTQ students and criticized what she called "fear, hypotheticals, and misinformation" from some opponents. "Allowing transgender students to use facilities that match who they are does not create safety problems," Hayes said and added that inclusive policies reduce bullying and improve student well‑being.
Other speakers urged proactive district policies and outreach. Michelle Mustakas asked the district to review and revise policies to protect immigrant students and to add community outreach and student involvement. Sarah Krasanski presented a draft one‑page ICE response protocol for staff that outlined steps — remain calm, request identification, direct individuals to the front office vestibule, record agency information and request warrants — and recommended staff training.
A parent speaker raised concerns about limited vegetarian options in school lunches and asked how to submit feedback and request menu changes. Board members thanked commenters and the administration indicated staff would follow up with individuals who raised concerns.
The board did not take formal action during the public‑comment period but the comments were recorded for follow‑up by administration.
