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Oregon City board adopts statement backing immigrant students after hours of public testimony
Summary
After more than two hours of public comment, the Oregon City School Board voted to adopt a community statement affirming that schools must remain safe, welcoming spaces for all students and calling for protections and resources for families affected by immigration enforcement.
After hours of public testimony from students, parents, teachers and community leaders, the Oregon City School Board voted to adopt a community statement affirming that schools must be “places of safety, learning, and belonging” for every child.
The statement, read aloud at the meeting and approved by roll-call, said in part: “No student should ever have to choose between their education and the safety of themselves and their family.” Board members framed the vote as an affirmation of the district’s 2023 strategic plan priorities on belonging and well‑being.
Dozens of speakers had urged the board to act. Steven Soule, a former board member who said he also teaches at Clackamas Community College, urged the district to go beyond a statement, asking the board to ensure families understand federal privacy protections, to clarify when federal agents may be on school grounds and to develop staff procedures for responding if agents appear at a campus.
Several staff and parents gave first‑hand accounts of fear and attendance declines. Zoe Hunter, a school counselor, described a child who “is terrified that the moment she steps onto that bus, her mother will be taken away,” and said the anxiety prevents the child from learning.
Supporters repeatedly tied the statement to the district’s goals: officials and speakers said that when parents live in fear of separation, children’s attendance and academic engagement fall. Superintendent Dr. Spitzer told the board the district has seen decreased participation from Latinx and Hispanic families amid increased immigration enforcement activity and highlighted resources available on the district website.
Not every board member spoke without reservation: during debate a board member expressed concern about wording and process, and another noted he had suggested alternative language during the drafting process. The roll-call on the motion showed multiple recorded “Aye” votes, one “No” and one “Abstain,” and the motion carried.
Board leaders said the statement is intended to be the start of additional actions — including documenting and reporting agency inquiries as required under state sanctuary law, strengthening privacy protections for student information, and coordinating counseling and legal resources for families. The district also committed to follow-up communications and to work with community partners on outreach and practical supports.
The board’s action followed a lengthy public comment period in which students, educators, clinicians and a state senator urged clear, public support for immigrant students and families. The board scheduled its next work session for Jan. 26 and its next regular meeting for Feb. 9.
