In response to the Trump administration’s new policies cracking down on illegal immigration, the Phoenix Union High School District (PUHSD) issued a resolution earlier this week declaring it will not comply.
The Department of Homeland Security issued a directive on January 21 rescinding a policy implemented in 2011 under the Obama administration that prevented illegal immigration raids at or near schools or other “sensitive locations” unless an “exigent circumstance” exists, such as a national security threat. PUHSD’s resolution stated that the school district is a “Safe Zone,” so the school can deny ICE officials information and entrance onto the premises.
The resolution claimed federal immigration law enforcement activities “harmfully disrupt the learning environment.” It said, “[I]t continues to be the policy of PXU not to allow any individual or organization to enter a school site if the educational setting would be disrupted by that visit…”
The resolution said ICE must follow Governing Board Policy JIH and Governing Board Regulation JR-R. They require individuals and entities to request permission from the district first to access the campus and individuals.
Although the laws in this area are changing, the district insisted on declaring what the law is. “Students have the constitutional right to attend school regardless of their or their family member(s) immigration status,” the resolution said.
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