All districts — Local superintendents are issuing guidance to staff and communities concerning the possibility of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers visiting schools, which are no longer considered “sensitive locations” under federal law, and stressing student privacy under existing law.
“It’s a topic on everyone’s mind and we are trying to navigate it,” said Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra in a phone interview last week. “We are doing everything we can to protect the education of kids. Staff emotions range from concern to frustration, but at the core of it all, we are here for the kids and the families we serve.”
The executive order, signed by President Trump on Jan. 20, removes restrictions preventing ICE from arresting undocumented people from places like schools, hospitals and churches.
While ICE agents have not attempted to enter a local school as of February 4, according to Kent ISD Superintendent Ron Gorman, several school leaders who represent diverse districts with a large percentage of Hispanic and first-generation students are preparing staff, answering questions from teachers and parents, and making sure staff members know what steps to follow if a visit occurs at a school, bus stop or other facility.
In emailed communication to WPS principals and secretaries, Hoekstra shared the following instructions:
- Do not ask students or families about their citizenship status.
- Do not voluntarily disclose student or family citizenship status to law enforcement or ICE officers.
- Require officers to present a warrant or other lawful order before providing records, granting access to a student, or allowing entry into nonpublic areas of the school.
- Cooperate with directives only if supported by an appropriate court order or warrant.
- Document all interactions and steps taken to verify that the official is operating under proper legal authority.
- Contact Hoekstra (at phone number).
“While the district will comply with the law, if ICE does visit a Wyoming Public Schools building — anyone who comes into our building will have to (comply with the law) as well,” Hoekstra said during an interview with SNN.
‘It’s a topic on everyone’s mind and we are trying to navigate it. We are doing everything we can to protect the education of kids.’
— Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra
Following Procedures
To be prepared and understand how to best address concerns, many districts have consulted legal counsel regarding laws on student privacy.
“We have received several questions from staff, parents, and community members regarding how the changes to the federal policy will impact our school community,” Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston said in emailed communication last week to staff and families.
“We strive to be responsive to community concerns and share that KPS has long-standing policies and procedures that remain intact to support student privacy and empower families while students are in our care,” Polston continued. “We have consulted with the district’s legal counsel related to our policies and procedures and stand prepared to respond if the need arises.”
Hoekstra said Wyoming Public Schools do not track and will not provide immigration status of students or their family members to visitors.
“We consult legal counsel to guarantee compliance with laws such as the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, which protects the confidentiality of student records,” Hoekstra wrote in his communication to WPS staff and parents. “These measures, along with our vigilance in maintaining a secure environment, help ensure that every student feels safe and supported.”
Kenowa Hills Public Schools Superintendent Jerry Hopkins also said policies are in place to safeguard student information and privacy, in a letter to families emailed Jan. 28. Along with FERPA, he cited a school board policy that specifies steps to be taken by school officials during interactions with law enforcement agencies.
“It is important to understand that students will not be interviewed without parent permission or a valid judicial warrant,” Hopkins states in the letter. “These measures, along with our vigilance in maintaining a secure environment that supports student learning, help ensure that every student feels safe and supported.”
Communicating Protocol
Other districts including Grand Rapids, Kelloggsville, Godwin Heights and Godfrey-Lee have also sent communication following the federal changes, such as letters emailed to staff and students or social media posts.
GRPS issued guidance to school staff outlining what to do if ICE officers visit one of the district’s schools.
Protocols stress that, in the event of an ICE visit, the principal of the building should be contacted immediately, officers should not be allowed past school lobbies without an escort and a warrant signed by a judge, and no information about students should be released. The district’s guidance also instructs staff not to sign any documentation from ICE.
These protocols have been sent to all district families as well, said GRPS Director of Communications Luke Stier.
Stier said the protocols are based on established policies for visitors.
“We worked to create a document that spoke directly to the possibility of an ICE officer arriving at a school,” Stier told SNN. “We want our staff to feel prepared for any situation.”
Kent ISD Superintendent Ron Gorman also emailed communication to staff last week to address the issue, stating that building leaders have received instructions about what to do in the event an ICE agent or other immigration official were to arrive at any of Kent ISD’s facilities. They are to request identification and take the individual’s name, title and contact information before directing them to Gorman’s office.
“I want to assure and remind you that above all, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” he said in the email. “As educators, we are entrusted with the legal responsibility of educating and protecting the privacy of every student, regardless of immigration status or situation. It is our job to care for students, ensure they feel safe, educate them, and work for their success. And that is exactly what we will continue to do.”
In the email Gorman said there should be no reason for Kent ISD staff beyond the front office to interact with agents, but that the law does not prohibit ICE from taking enforcement actions within a school setting.
“The job of teachers, principal and support staff is to take care of children every day. They don’t need the added stress if someone shows up at the buildings,” he said. “Our core business is taking care of students and staff, and that’s the number one priority.”
An Evolving Issue
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools posted on social media that the district is watching the issue closely.
“At Godfrey-Lee Public Schools our priority remains the safety and well-being of our students, staff and learning community while fostering a welcoming environment,” the Facebook post read. “As laws evolve, we will continue working closely with our attorneys to ensure we are operating within those boundaries. We have a clear plan in place and are committed to maintaining a secure and inclusive space while ensuring optimal teaching and learning conditions.”
Stier emphasized that GRPS is following closely what’s happening at a federal level.
“We know that every child in our community has a right to an education, and we’re here striving to provide support and resources for scholars, for our families and for our staff,” he said.
‘The job of teachers, principal and support staff is to take care of children every day. They don’t need the added stress if someone shows up at the buildings.’
— Kent ISD Superintendent Ron Gorman
In addition, GRPS Superintendent Leadriane Roby issued a statement to share those resources with families, including the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center’s Family Preparedness Guide, the Hispanic Center of West Michigan and the Kent County Welcome Plan.
“We recognize that changes in immigration enforcement are causing uncertainty and fear for some members of our community, and we want to assure you that we are here to support you,” Roby said. “We deeply believe that every child deserves access to an excellent education, no matter their circumstances.”
At Kent ISD, Gorman also stressed that staff members should be careful to not share unverified statements that may contribute to misinformation.
“Despite multiple rumors on social media and elsewhere, to our knowledge, as of today, ICE agents have not attempted to enter any school in our area,” he stated in the email sent Jan. 29. “Our director of safety and security and other leaders work closely with local authorities and we will absolutely keep you informed if we learn of changes.”
Reporters Riley Kelley, Joanne Bailey-Boorsma and Alexis Stark contributed to this story.
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