In approving a welcoming district ordinance earlier this month, Oak Park District 97 has joined several local communities and schools in seeking to protect its immigrant population.
The district’s ordinance is largely in response to President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders, which target undocumented immigrants living in the United States.
The ordinance states District 97 employees, contractors, volunteers and representatives, unless compelled by federal, state or local law, shall not disclose to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, or any other person or entity, any information about a student or family’s immigration status.
ICE officers, or any other law enforcement personnel or entity, should not enter District 97 schools for immigration law enforcement purposes without permission of the superintendent who, prior to granting permission, will take the emotional and physical safety of students and staff into consideration. Law officials will also be required to provide credentials, the reasons for requested entry and written legal authority for any requested entry, the ordinance states.
The ordinance also states no student shall be denied equal access to any services, educational or extracurricular opportunities on the basis of their immigration status.
“We wanted to state the board proudly adopts this resolution declaring District 97 a safe and welcoming community,” board member Amy Felton said. “In adopting this resolution, District 97 assures all families that within its lawful power, District 97 will provide a safe and welcoming learning environment.”
Felton said the district would be communicating with Oak Park residents and its own staff members to educate them about the ordinance and its policies.
The ordinance was unanimously approved by the school board on March 14. Board member Jim O’Connor was absent.
With its passage, Oak Park District 97 joins the village of Oak Park, the city of Evanston, Evanston Township High School, the city of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools as entities to enact such legislation protecting immigrants.
Twitter: @steveschering
