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Sarasota school board adopts resolution affirming cooperation with law enforcement, including ICE, after hours of public comment
Summary
After more than five hours of public comment—largely from students, parents, teachers and community groups opposing the measure—the Sarasota County School Board voted 3–2 to adopt a resolution reaffirming cooperation with law enforcement, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while officials said the policy does not change existing legal requirements.
The Sarasota County School Board voted 3–2 on Jan. 20 to adopt a resolution reaffirming the district’s cooperation with law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a measure that drew hours of public comment from students, parents, teachers and local advocates.
Board Chair Bridget Ziegler introduced the resolution as a statement of the district’s commitment to the rule of law and to keeping campuses focused on learning. In response to sustained public concern, Superintendent Connor and Chief of School Police Enos both told the board that existing legal protections remain in force: law-enforcement personnel must show proper identification and, when required by law, present judicial warrants before entering classrooms or taking custody of a student.
The vote followed a daylong hearing in which dozens of students said the item would inject fear into classrooms and could reduce attendance. "Why am I here at 10AM on a school day?" said Alessandra Smith,…
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