River Forest District 90 has joined the growing list of school districts and municipalities in adopting a sanctuary-like status to protect its immigrant population.
During the June 6 school board meeting, board members unanimously passed an inclusive school district resolution, which intends to provide safe access to an inclusive learning environment and ensure that the student learning environment is not disrupted by immigration enforcement actions, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
“There was a strong consensus of the board that this resolution was an important practical and symbolic message from the district about the value our community places on inclusivity,” District 90 Superintendent Ed Condon said.
Under the resolution, the district announced it will not tolerate discrimination, harassment or bullying of any kind for students and families.
The resolution also states District 90 employees, contractors, volunteers and representatives will not use district resources for the purpose of detecting or assisting in the apprehension of persons pursuant to immigration enforcement of federal immigration laws, unless specifically required by federal, state or local law.
School district personnel must also refrain from inquiring about any student or parent’s immigration status, and must refrain from requiring parents or students to produce documentation regarding their immigration status.
The resolution specifically cites personnel shall not, unless compelled by federal, state or local law, disclose information about a student or family to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. ICE officials are also prohibited from entering District 90 property for immigration law enforcement practices without permission by the superintendent.
With its passage of the ordinance, River Forest District 90 joins Oak Park District 97, Oak Park and River Forest High School, the village of Oak Park, the city of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools as local entities to enact such legislation protecting immigrants.
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