Memphis-Shelby County School Board members propose resolution in support of undocumented students

District 5 Board Member Sable Otey (left) and District 4 Board Member Tamarques Porter (right) (Photos by Memphis-Shelby County Schools)

Members of the Memphis-Shelby County School Board are planning to send a message of support to the district’s undocumented families amid high-profile Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions across the state.

The board is scheduled to vote on a resolution at its May 27 meeting to protect immigrant students who attend district schools.

“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. “Ensuring that our schools are safe and inviting for all students and their families will facilitate the physical safety and emotional well-being of all children in the Memphis-Shelby County Schools and is integral to students’ ability to achieve.”

District 5 Board Member Sable Otey and District 4 Board Member Tamarques Porter are sponsoring the resolution, and every board member has signed on to co-sponsor it, but District 1 Board Member Michelle Robinson McKissack and District 6 Board Member Keith Williams, who were not present at Tuesday’s board work session.

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.

“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,” wrote board members in the resolution. “Memphis-Shelby County Schools is committed to educating ALL students, regardless of national origin, immigration status, or citizenship status.”