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Parents and educators urge Granite board to act on ICE fears and student safety
Summary
Multiple patrons and staff told the Granite School District board that fears about immigration enforcement and escalating student behavior are reducing attendance and straining classrooms; the superintendent said the district will investigate and pointed to existing guidance while noting limits on interfering with law enforcement.
Multiple patrons told the Granite School District Board of Education on May 5 that increased immigration enforcement is making families hesitant to seek services and contributing to lower student attendance. "Parents are hesitant to reach out for services and student attendance has decreased," said Margarita Ruiz during public comment, asking the board to adopt exit‑protocols, family alerts, and specialized staff training.
Teachers and supporters also described classroom safety and capacity problems. Cameron Brewer said teachers face violent threats and unmanageable caseloads and that some educators are considering leaving. Counsel Doug Larson was asked to respond to policy questions and to investigate allegations of racism or harassment; Superintendent Ben Horsley said the guidance sent to employees and families outlines how the district can support students but added the district "cannot interfere with law enforcement." Horsley said district staff are addressing undersized special‑education classrooms and directed further resource allocation questions to Assistant Superintendent Leslie Bell.
