Unanimous vote clarifies existing policy

SOUTH KINGSTOWN — Applause rang out in the South Kingstown High School cafeteria Tuesday night after the town's School Committee voted unanimously to approve a resolution that clarified a policy of non-cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents that approach the district to find information on any of its students.

"I think that even in Rhode Island, you are pretty aware of what is happening with immigration enforcement all over the country, especially at the border," Sarah Markey, vice-chair of the committee, said. "I think the pictures, the stories you hear, and just the heartbreak really got to myself and other School Committee members.

"This is a good way to protect our students."

The committee chair, Stephanie Canter, voiced support for Markey's resolution, adding that protocol regarding ICE operations was established in the district's Campus Safety Policy in October 2018.

"It is critical that we put the safety and support of students and their families first, regardless of immigration status," she said. "One of the essential elements of this resolution is confirming our Campus Safety Policy, which ensures that Immigration and Customs Enforcement can not interfere with the learning environment [of] our students."

The resolution says that district employees would refuse to collaborate with ICE agents absent a valid judicial order verified by the district superintendent and its legal counsel.

ICE policy has been to not detain people at schools, churches, or hospitals, designating them as sensitive locations; yet Markey said the Trump administration's policies have made a clarification of district policy necessary as they are unpredictable and the fear disrupts learning.

"Once this resolution passes it becomes clearer that absolutely, without a valid judicial warrant, a student is protected," she said. "We know as folks who really care about all students… We know that immigration enforcement activities have no role in schools.

A major motive for the vote was making sure the public was clear on district stances regarding the issue, according to Markey.

"We have to send a message out that this is an inclusive and welcoming environment to all students and families," she continued.

Schools were prohibited from inquiring about a student's immigration status or discriminating against them should they be undocumented in the case of Plyler v. Doe in June 1982.

The resolution — written by the Rhode Island Civil Liberties Union with language similar to that of a model document on the National Immigration Law Center website — also calls upon the state Department of Education to push for legislation that would place similar standards in state law.

The only similarly explicit policy in the state was approved by the Central Falls School District in June 2017.

"There are families in South Kingstown that are undocumented," Markey said. "Over the past couple of years they have been nervous and scared. It is something that has been on the minds of members of our community and those of people impacted by anti-immigrant sentiment.

"I am hoping that lots of districts pass something similar.... We are not going to stand by and say nothing."

— kandrade@providencejournal.com

(401) 277-7646

On Twitter: @Kevprojo