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Ensuring Safe School Environments for All

Protecting Immigrant Students and Families and Ensuring Safe School Environments for All  

WHEREAS, it is the right of every child, regardless of immigration status, to access a free public K-12 education, and the Kingston City School District welcomes and supports all students and has a responsibility to ensure that all students within the district can safely access this education; 

WHEREAS, the fear caused by immigration enforcement has made it harder for students and families to safely access their right to education; 

WHEREAS, federal immigration law enforcement activities, on or around District property, transportation routes, and school events—whether by surveillance, interview, demand for information, arrest, detention, or any other means—harmfully disrupt the learning environment and interfere with the ability of students to access a free public K-12 education; 

WHEREAS, the District recognizes the impacts and trauma caused by these threats, including family separation or deportation, on students’ emotional health, safety, and learning; 

WHEREAS, students, families, and staff are essential members of the District community;  

 

WHEREAS, the District acknowledges that school grounds, buses, classrooms, school events, and other school-related activities are all vulnerable spaces where students and families may feel threatened by immigration enforcement; 

WHEREAS, the District protects student privacy and does not collect or maintain information about students’ or families’ immigration status or place of birth, except as legally required; 

WHEREAS, the District has a responsibility to maintain a safe and stable learning environment, preserve instructional time, and ensure safe transportation to and from school sites; 

WHEREAS, while not a comprehensive policy or operational plan, this Resolution is a statement of the School Board’s leadership and commitment protect students and families demonstrating the Board’s intent to develop and communicate clear procedures and resources including but not limited to Know Your Rights, family preparedness information and community-based resources it is not a comprehensive policy or operational plan; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 

1. Safe Zone Declaration: 
The District is declared a Safe Zone, and the Board commits to protecting students and families from non-local law enforcement, including ICE, in all school settings, including buses, school grounds, classrooms, and school events. 

2. Protocol for Non-Local Law Enforcement: 
District personnel shall: 

  • Request non-local officers wait outside and immediately notify the Superintendent or designee and District counsel; 

  • Collect non-local officer information (name, badge/ID, supervisor contact, and documentation) and transmit it to District counsel; 

  • Await instructions before granting access or releasing student information; 

  • Notify parents or guardians unless prohibited by law; 

  • Document every interaction in an incident report, including attempts to interrogate or detain students; 

  • Deny access or interrogations on buses, following the same procedures; 

  • Follow counsel’s guidance to minimize disruption while ensuring compliance with legal requirements. 

3. Student Privacy, Data Protection, and Documentation: 

  • The District shall protect all personally identifiable information (PII) of students and families, including but not limited to immigration status, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, health, household income, and other sensitive information, and shall only release such information if legally compelled by a judicial warrant or lawfully-issued subpoena. 

  • District personnel, including staff, administrators, and contractors, shall not voluntarily share student or family information with law enforcement or any federal immigration agency. 

  • All contractors and third-party providers with access to students or student data shall comply with these protections. 

  • The District shall review its current data collection and record-keeping practices to ensure that no unnecessary sensitive information is retained that could place students or families at risk. 

  • Documentation of Law Enforcement Presence: If non-local law enforcement enters or attempts to enter District property, school buses, or school events: 

  • Staff shall document the officer’s name, badge/ID number, agency, supervisor contact information, purpose of visit, and any actions taken. 

  • An incident report shall be filed for every instance, including whether any student was interrogated, detained, or accessed. 

  • This documentation shall be promptly shared with the Superintendent, School Board and District counsel for review and further guidance. 

4. Multilingual Communication: 
The District shall provide multilingual communications, including written notices, interpretation, and develop signage to be posted at entrances and common areas, in all school settings, summarizing that non-local law enforcement cannot enter school grounds without explicit permission from district counsel, and to inform students and families of their rights and protections, including  inSpanish and Q’eqchi 

5. Resource Connection and Trauma Support: 
The District shall connect students and families to appropriate resources, including: 

  • Legal guidance and “Know Your Rights” workshops; 

  • Trauma-informed support and counseling; 

  • Family Preparedness and Emergency Care plans for students whose parent or guardian is detained or deported. 

6. Staff Training and Support: 
Staff shall receive annual training on these protocols, including Know Your Rights and the rights of students. District personnel acting in good faith within the scope of their duties while implementing this Resolution shall be supported to the fullest extent possible. 

7. Reporting and Compliance: 
The Superintendent shall ensure this Resolution is posted at all school sites, distributed to all staff, students, and families, translated into Spanish and Q’eqchi, and shall then report back to the Board on compliance. 

8. Contractor Notification: 
After-school providers, vendors, and other contractors shall be notified of this Resolution within 30 days and required to adhere to its protections and protocols. 

9. Commitment to Ongoing Development: 
This Resolution is a statement of commitment by the Board to protect students and families. The District shall continue to develop, communicate, and implement clear procedures, protocols, and resources to safeguard immigrant students and families and ensure their well-being in all school settings.