FALLS VILLAGE, Conn.—Superintendent of Schools Melony Brady-Shanley told the Region 1 School Board Monday night, Feb. 3, that there is concern among educators about the effect of the current immigration crack-down by the Trump administration.
She said there has been a “considerable change in the protection of immigrants and, while schools are typically exempt from immigration procedures, technically we could have ICE agents enter and take moves in a school building.”
While previous federal guidelines and longstanding precedent have protected schools from such incursions, President Donald Trump has lifted the rules barring immigration enforcement at or near protected areas such as schools, churches and hospitals.
Brady-Shanley said, “To my knowledge, no one in Connecticut has had an ICE incident in school. They are largely focused on individuals who have committed crimes. I hope schools are still safe havens.”
Fifty-four staff members joined in a 7 a.m. morning check-in at which she explained her understanding of the new rules. She said this voluntary attendance reflected the concern felt by staff members.
Region 1 includes six local school districts, including Kent, and a centralized high school in Falls Village, Housatonic Valley Regional High School. Brady-Shanley said she is working on immigration issues and has sent all the Region 1 schools copies of the state Department of Education’s guidelines about how to respond if there is an incident.
The guidelines acknowledge, “We know that recent actions taken by the current federal administration have raised many questions from school districts, and fear among students and their families, about what to expect if federal immigration officials request information or come onto school grounds. While there is reason to believe the risk of such instances may remain low, circumstances can change rapidly, and it is important to be prepared and assure families that a plan is in place.”
Both Connecticut and federal law protect a student’s right to attend public schools, regardless of their immigration status. The United States Supreme Court recognized that this right is protected by the U.S. Constitution more than 40 years ago, so Connecticut schools are under no obligation to collect or maintain the immigration status of students or their family members.
The Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) also protects personally identifiable student information such as student and family names and addresses. If a school district receives requests for student information, the guidelines say administrators should first seek guidance from the district’s legal counsel.
For decades, schools have routinely restricted access to school grounds during the academic day to protect students and staff and to limit disruptions. Standard practices require those seeking admittance to identify themselves and to state their reason for visiting. The state guidelines encourage districts to consult their legal counsel to ensure that their procedures are up to date and further encourage districts to include protocols that address ICE enforcements specifically.
These protocols could include getting immigration agents’ identification; designating a school official as the point person for requests and visits by agents; directing immigration agents to designated school officials; asking agents to produce a judicial warrant and reviewing it; consulting with legal counsel, and recording details of the entire visit.
The statewide guidance also encourages a calm and cooperative manner to avoid escalating the situation and thereby increasing anxiety among the staff and students. School officials are warned against being perceived as obstructing or interfering with any lawful activities.
Region 1 Board Chairman Pat Mechare observed, “My main concern is that it would be a heck of a scary thing for everyone. I hope they stay away from schools. It is a concern.”
