LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Jefferson County education officials have passed a resolution to make the state’s largest school district a “safe haven” for undocumented students and their families.
The county Board of Education voted 4-0 in favor of the resolution Tuesday night after a lengthy discussion, news outlets reported. Three board members abstained from the vote.
According to the resolution, the school district will resist requests from federal immigration officials to share data or resources - unless compelled by a valid court order - that could help identify students or families who are potentially undocumented.
It also says immigration enforcement personnel can’t be given access to school campuses without the superintendent’s review and approval.
“Folks are fearful,” said board member Chris Kolb, who voted in favor of the resolution, according to The Courier-Journal (https://cjky.it/2kLeHHi). “We need to let them know … that we will protect them to the fullest extent of the law.”
The passage of the resolution comes amid concerns from some in the education community over anti-immigration statements made by President Donald Trump on the campaign trail, as well as his recent push to temporarily ban the admission of refugees and certain immigrants to the United States.
Board Steph Horne said she abstained for a number of reasons, including her concern that passing such a resolution could cause some to target the district.
“Setting up our board of education as an antagonist against our governor and president is a fight that is not in the greater interest of our students,” Horne said. She added that “our duty is also to not by our actions put JCPS or students at risk of a cutoff of state (or) federal funds.”
Seven percent of the district’s 101,000 students have limited English proficiency. The district does not collect any immigration data.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.