Parents press Troy City School District for clear safety guidance after federal immigration changes

At a Troy City School District board meeting, parents urged the district to provide explicit guidance to protect students — particularly immigrant and LGBTQ students — after federal policy changes and local immigration enforcement activity.

A public commenter asked bluntly, “Are Troy public schools less safe for many of our students? Will they be in the near future?” and said she and other parents had emailed Principal Clouthier and Vice Principal Rossi and had not received a reply. Angela Beeler, a parent who identified herself as serving on the Troy Public Library board of trustees, told the board that an executive action revoking protected areas on Jan. 20 and recent local Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests had heightened fear in the community: “It’s happening here and now and families and children are not surprisingly afraid.” She urged the district to send a clear communication to families and staff, follow that with training for employees, and provide practical guidance about interactions with law enforcement or immigration agents.

A district administrator responded that district policies and procedures protecting student information have not changed and that New York State law and guidance still govern school response. The administrator said principals have been reminded of “their legal rights and responsibilities” when law enforcement, including immigration officials, seek student information and that the district consults attorneys and shares attorney and state guidance with building administrators. The staff member said building-level outreach teams — including teachers and English as a New Language curriculum leaders — have contacted families they believe may be affected and encouraged families to continue reaching out as needed.

Board members and staff noted the limits of district authority while emphasizing outreach. The district administrator described the current approach as prioritizing safety and relying on legal guidance and counsel: “Safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority.”

Next steps raised by speakers included a request that the district issue a written communication to families and staff clarifying the district’s plan in light of recent federal communications and to offer training for school employees. Parents in public comment asked the board for clear timelines; the district said it is monitoring changes and will continue daily updates to administrators and building-level outreach to families.