Portland Public Schools Vows to Protect Undocumented Students

Undocumented students in the Portland Public Schools won't have to worry about immigration officials going through their school records and dragging them out of class, thanks to a resolution passed Thursday by the school board.

The board action comes in the wake of vows by President-elect Donald Trump to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.

"In the wake of the Presidential election and the heated rhetoric surrounding it, there has been a great deal of worry and concern about family stability and safety throughout our community," said PPS Board Member Julie Esparza Brown.

"We are taking this action today to send a message to all PPS families that regardless of their background or status, this District will do everything it can to protect all kids and their families in our schools."

The resolution requires:

• ICE personnel to notify the Superintendent and General Counsel, in person, before they can enter PPS property so that steps can be taken to provide for the emotional and physical safety of its students and staff.
• Immigration Control Enforcement (ICE) personnel to provide written authority from the ICE instructing them to enter District property and for what purpose.
• Developing procedures for notifying families about ICE efforts to gain information about students and families