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Shelter Island board reassures families after ICE activity in neighboring communities; outlines access rules
Summary
President Kathleen Lynch said the district is committed to a safe, welcoming environment and explained that outside agencies must present a warrant reviewed by the district attorney before entering school buildings; only Shelter Island Police may enter without that process.
Board President Kathleen Lynch opened the meeting by addressing community concern about recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in nearby towns and by reassuring families that the district values every student.
Lynch said the district’s highest priority is student safety and recited the legal baseline: "the United States Supreme Court has ruled that students may not be denied an education based on citizenship or immigration status," and civil-rights laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin. She told the public that the district requires "Any outside agency seeking entry to the school must present a warrant, which must be reviewed and approved by the district’s attorney prior to entry," and that the only agency permitted to enter without such process is the Shelter Island Police Department. Lynch encouraged families with concerns to contact the administration or email her directly.
The board framed the remarks as a reminder of existing protocols; no new policy or change to access rules was proposed during the meeting.
