Memphis-Shelby County School Board issues statement of support for undocumented students

Immigration And Customs Enforcement officer (Photo by ICE)

Members of the Memphis-Shelby County School board unanimously approved a resolution of support for undocumented students Tuesday night.

The board placed the resolution sponsored by District 5 Board Member Sable Otey, District 4 Board Member Tamarques Porter, and co-sponsored by five other board members on its consent agenda, and approved it without discussion.

Board members proposed the resolution to send a message of support to immigrant students who attend district schools amid recent high-profile Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions across the state.

“Federal immigration enforcement at schools and other sensitive areas nationally has intensified concerns among immigrant families that it may not be safe to bring their children to school, and has caused anxiety about family separation that can disrupt the learning environment for all students, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status,” wrote board members signing on to the resolution. “Memphis-Shelby County Schools is committed to collaboration with trusted community organizations and legal aid groups to provide information sessions, referrals, and support services to immigrant families. Be it finally resolved, Memphis-Shelby County Schools is committed to educating ALL students, regardless of national origin, immigration status, or citizenship status.”

The resolution states that the district’s legal department has provided guidance to principals about how to respond to requests or visits from ICE so that “no immigration enforcement agency is permitted access” to students or confidential student records without a legal right to do so.

Sandra Pita (right) speaking at Tuesday’s meeting (screengrab)

Before voting, the board heard from Memphis resident and immigration activist Sandra Pita who thanked them for passing the resolution. Pita also discussed the potential impact of proposed legislation that stalled during the most recent legislative session that would allow schools to refuse to admit undocumented students or charge them tuition.

“This is the first step and a lot more to do. If Bill 0793 were to pass, it would destroy our family, community, and economic system. It would affect families and children would not be able to continue their education. They would have to leave the city,” said Pita through a translator. “I appreciate all your help as a school system and your help in the following steps to build a just education, an inclusive education. “