Hazel Park Schools adopt resolution limiting ICE access, affirming student privacy

The Hazel Park Schools Board of Education adopted a resolution on Feb. 9 directing district practices for interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and similar agencies, emphasizing student privacy and restrictions on use of district resources.

The resolution affirms that students are entitled to equal access to public education regardless of immigration status and cites the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) as limiting disclosure of personally identifiable student information to third parties absent parental consent, a judicial order or valid subpoena. It directs that ICE personnel seeking access to district property must notify the superintendent or designee in advance and present written legal authority before entry is considered.

Superintendent staff told the board that secretaries and principals have been given procedures and that district staff will call the superintendent if enforcement personnel seek access. The presentation said families were provided a multilingual resource link and that staff have been reminded not to ask students or families about immigration status unless legally required.

Faith Allen, a Hazel Park resident who spoke during public comment, urged the board to ensure parents know the district’s plan and asked about on‑site legal help for families. Allen said she had seen immigrant students near Roosevelt Alternative School and voiced concern that enforcement could arrive without court authorization. Board members and staff responded that the district already follows legal requirements and would continue to reinforce procedures and communications.

Board members moved and carried the resolution by roll call. The superintendent will report back to the board on implementation and compliance steps, and staff recommended clarifying details in administrative procedures rather than embedding enforcement guidance in board policy.