The Trump adminstration’s recent crackdown on immigrants has resulted in Interim School Superintendent Mark Pease issuing a letter to the school community, assuring the district’s commitment to providing “a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status.”
“Recent changes in immigration laws have created uncertainty and anxiety for many families here in
Palmyra, our sending districts and our surrounding communities,” he wrote in the Jan. 24 letter.
Under a 2021 memorandum issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, schools were among the “protected areas” that were generally off-limits for immigrant enforcement action. But on its second day in office, the Trump administration rescinded that policy and now permits enforcement and arrests in or near protected areas – including schools.
In a typical U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid, agents may have a list of individuals they are seeking to detain, according to published reports in the National Law Journal. The unannounced raids also may be directed toward a particular industry known to have large numbers of undocumented employees, such as hospitality and agriculture, the report said.
“I want to assure you that the Palmyra school district is committed to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all our students, regardless of their immigration status,” Pease promised. “Every child deserves a supportive learning environment in which they can focus on their education without fear.”
The New Jersey Department of Education is supporting the state’s schools, he added.
“They have issued protocols to be followed if immigration officials contact or visit our district,” Pease explained in the letter. “These protocols are designed to help administration and staff protect the privacy and rights of district students, and they stress that access to student information and/or records will not be provided.
“We are aware that some of our students may be facing frightening conditions,” he continued. “If you notice your child feeling overwhelmed or struggling emotionally, please know that you can reach out to the school principal or school counselor. Our staff will never question a student, but if a child confides in a trusted adult, staff members know to direct them to our counseling offices for professional support.
“Education is a partnership, and together, we will continue to foster an inclusive learning environment in
which every student feels safe, respected and supported.”
