Garth A. Rose
In defiance of recent immigration policies announced in Washington DC, that has heightened threats of immigrants in the US being detained, and/or deported the Broward County School district reacted in unanimously passing a unique resolution to have county public schools become safe zones for undocumented immigrant students and their families. This resolution was passed by the school board on Tuesday.
The resolution was proposed by school Board member Robin Bartleman who stated the resolution sends a message to immigrant families living I fear that the school board “have their backs” and that the board isn’t afraid to act “to protect” the county’s children.
The resolution came in response to concerns voiced by residents, who told board members that many immigrants have started taking extra precautions to get children to school. Some now walk children to school, instead of driving, to avoid any infractions that could get them pulled over and deported. Others have begun sending their children to school with copies of immigration paperwork tucked in backpacks.
In accordance with the resolution ICE and other related law enforcement agencies will not be allowed to enter school premises during classes, or special school activities like sport activities, field trips and social functions to remove students. To do this the authorities are required to have warrant signed by a judge. In addition, any attempt to remove students or get information on students must be submitted to the attorneys serving the school district.
“This is very brave and commendable move,” says Myrtle Bachelor, former New York law enforcement officer, and Broward legal aid attorney. “I personally have had contacts from several parents who are now reluctant to leave their homes to takes their kids to school, or send their kids to schools. I know of instances were children studies are being affected as they fear being picked up by immigration officers on the way to or from school, or if when they reach home, they’ll find their parents have been detained by ICE. This is such a sad situation.”
Bartleman also indicated the Broward School Board were privy to incidents where the parents of students have been detained to be deported. These incidents helped to motivate the resolution, and the related vote by the school board to begin developing a “Safe Place Plan” plan in conjunction with parents and community organizations to for schools and teachers provide safe-care and support to students whose parents are deported.
There are reports that the agenda of the Miami-Dade School Board meeting schedule for March 15, includes the call for that board to vote on a similar policy to the Broward School Board.
The Palm Beach County also is implementing a similar “safe-zone” policy for undocumented immigrant students attending public schools in that count, but its not an official school board approved policy.
