In response to growing concerns over immigration enforcement within educational premises, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' Board of Education has underlined its commitment to the rights of immigrant students. According to a statement published by WBTV, the board highlighted that "our priority is and always will be the safety, well-being, and education of every student in our schools," referencing the seminal Plyler v. Doe Supreme Court case that guarantees free public education for all students, irrespective of immigration status. This comes in the face of misconceptions that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have been active in CMS schools, which the board categorically denies.
Amid the backdrop of heightened anxiety surrounding potential ICE operations, the CMS Board of Education clarified, in a statement obtained by QC News, that federal immigration officials cannot enter school properties without a court order or a legally sufficient warrant. Having reissued districtwide guidance, the staff has been reminded of their legal obligations to protect student information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and that questions concerning a student's immigration status or social security number are prohibitive during enrollment.
Fears were stoked when President Donald Trump revoked deportation safe zones in places previously regarded as safe havens, including schools. The district's policies serve as a bulwark ensuring educational services to all students, regardless of immigration status. As reported by WCNC, protections for CMS students were reiterated by the board, which includes barring staff from voluntarily disclosing students' undocumented status to law enforcement and mandating that immigration officials present a court order to gain school entry.
Asserting that it is deeply invested in serving and safeguarding all students for their future's promise, the CMS has promised ongoing vigilance towards any federal policy changes impacting student rights protection, according to statements made public by the school board. Ensuring compliance with various federal and state statutes, as well as Board policies, the district assuage the community by emphasizing continuous support for immigrant students' education. "We want to assure our families and students that regardless of any federal policy change, CMS will continue to comply with federal statutes, state statutes, and Board policies that protect all of our students’ rights to a public education," as mentioned in the guidance gathered by QC News.
