Royal Oak Schools Board backs bills to limit immigration enforcement at schools

The Royal Oak Schools Board of Education adopted a resolution supporting Michigan Senate Bill 508 and House Bill 4859 and urging passage of a federal Protecting Sensitive Locations Act that would limit immigration enforcement activities on or around school property. Treasurer Cook presented the resolution, saying the district "welcomes and supports all students" and emphasizing the board’s responsibility to ensure students can safely access free public K–12 education regardless of immigration status.

The resolution, presented as a proclamation, cites concerns that immigration enforcement on or near district property — by surveillance, interview, demand for information, arrest, detention or other means — would disrupt learning and "significantly interfere with the ability of all students, including U.S. citizens, to access a free public K–12 education." It urges federal lawmakers to consider legislation to prevent enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of designated sensitive locations, including schools, except when a court order or an imminent public safety threat requires action.

Trustee Anderson thanked Treasurer Cook for bringing the item forward; after brief discussion the board adopted the resolution by voice vote and directed that copies be sent to the listed federal and state legislators. The resolution identifies U.S. senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow and representatives and state legislators named in the packet as recipients for the board’s position.

The board did not vote on or commit district funds to litigation or operational changes as part of the resolution; it adopted a policy position and requested that the resolution be transmitted to the legislators named in the motion. No formal challenge or rebuttal to the resolution occurred during the meeting.