Protecting Students: Educators' Roles, Rights, and Responsibilities
Learn about the vital roles, rights, and responsibilities of educators in protecting students, presented by Dr. Donna Christy to the PGCPS School Board and Community. Explore legal protections, guidelines for handling ICE presence, supporting immigrant students, and reasons why PGCEA supports this resolution.
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Presentation Transcript
Protecting Our Students: Educators Roles, Rights, and Responsibilities Presented to the PGCPS School Board & Community February 7, 2025 Presenter: Dr. Donna Christy, President, PGCEA
Our Core Message Every child in the U.S. has a constitutional right to a K-12 education regardless of immigration status. Schools must be places of learning, not fear.
Legal Protections for Schools FERPA: Educators cannot disclose student information, including immigration status, without a court-ordered subpoena. Fourth Amendment: Schools are not public spaces; ICE cannot enter classrooms without a judicial warrant.
Do not engage or provide informationescort officials to the principal. What to Do If ICE Arrives at a School 1. Request identification details Ask for the officer s name, ID number, and supervisor s phone number. 2. Request & obtain documentation If ICE presents any documents (e.g., subpoena, warrant), collect copies and provide them to the Office of General Counsel. 3. Direct the officer to wait outside Ensure ICE officials remain outside the building while proper procedures are followed. 4. Contact the Office of General Counsel immediately Call 301-952-6063 for legal guidance before taking any further steps. 5. Notify parents or guardians After consulting legal counsel, inform the student s parents/guardians of the situation. 6. Document all interactions Ensure security personnel record details and notify supervisors if needed. 7. If exigent circumstances are claimed, comply and report If ICE claims an emergency, comply, but immediately contact the Office of General Counsel. 8.
Supporting Our Immigrant Students & Families Ensure all students feel welcome and safe. Advocate for resources, bilingual support, and mental health services. Connect families with legal aid and community resources. Empower students. Strengthen family-school partnerships. Offer emotional and mental health support. Promote policies that reinforce school safety and inclusivity.
Why PGCEA Supports This Resolution It upholds our values of inclusion, equity, and justice. It ensures PGCPS will not cooperate with immigration enforcement beyond legal obligations. It affirms students First Amendment rights and rejects harassment or discrimination. It strengthens collaboration with union partners, immigration advocates, and community organizations. It reinforces our advocacy for state and federal policies that protect immigrant students and families. It ensures PGCPS provides training, multilingual resources, and legal assistance for affected families. It empowers educators to take an active role in fostering safe, inclusive, and supportive school environments.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action Continue advocating for safe schools. Stay informed on legal rights and responsibilities. Support students and connect families to resources. Advocate for the passage of the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act by the Maryland General Assembly. PGCEA will continue to work with the administration to ensure implementation.
