Representatives from the Chapel Hill Carrboro City School system shared their support for immigrant families as Immigration and Customs Enforcement ramped up federal enforcement in the Triangle Tuesday. They also shared data showing absences rose the very same day.
“Our schools are safe, welcoming and inclusive places where every child has the right to learn and grow without fear,” said Superintendent Rodney Trice in a release. “CHCCS doesn’t ask for or keep information about a student’s immigration status, which is protected by law from being shared. We firmly believe education is a fundamental right, and no child should ever be denied access or opportunity because of their family’s immigration status.”
He said although the school system has the backs of immigrant students and families, it is still perfectly reasonable for people to have concerns.
“We recognize how much courage it takes for many families to send their children to school amid the current concerns,” he said. “These concerns are real, and felt across our community. They affect not just individual students and families, but the overall sense of safety and comfort that helps everyone learn.”
The release asked students or families with concerns to reach out to their principal, counselor, social worker, mental health specialist or another trusted adult, and said the school system is prepared to connect people with resources as needed. They also shared some key points:
- CHCCS does not ask about a student’s immigration status or share student information protected by law.
- It “remains committed to upholding students’ rights to a safe and welcoming school environment.”
- Immigration officials do not have a broad legal right to enter school premises, unless they have a judicial warrant to do so.
- School principals have been provided guidance on what to do if an immigration official enters school property.
- School staff can offer additional support.
According to Chief Communications Officer Andy Jenks, there were 366 more absences Tuesday than there were Thursday of last week, stipulating that numbers from last Tuesday aren’t available due to Veteran’s Day. This means last Thursday, 95.2% of students were in school, and on Tuesday the number dropped to 91.8%.
The release from Superintendent Trice included two resources for families, including this collection of community resources and a link to the National Immigration Law Center.
On Tuesday, local leaders from across the Triangle denounced ICE action in the area. You can read about what they had to say here.
Chapelboro complied our own list of resources for people who have seen ICE, have been detained by ICE, or know someone who has been detained. You can find the actively updated guide here.
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