On Jan. 28, Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Jazz Parks sent out an email in response to the detaining of several parents by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a bus stop in the Ypsilanti Community School District yesterday. Parks stated that these actions within the county are “deeply troubling, concerning, and undermine the sense of safety that all families deserve.”
Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer spoke with The Bridge Michigan and noted there were four people detained by ICE in Washtenaw County on Tuesday. The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has started creating ICE-free zones in the county.
The communication from Parks reinforced children’s rights and established that there are processes in place pertaining to these circumstances.
“It remains our protocol to not allow ICE agents in our schools or on our property without a signed judicial warrant,” the email read. “The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) safeguards student information, meaning that schools cannot share protected records with immigration or law enforcement agencies without parental consent or a signed judicial order.”
Following suit, Parks reinforces the district’s commitment to the education of its students.
“Every child has a right to a free public education, regardless of immigration status,” the email read. “In the AAPS, we take our responsibility to uphold and protect these student rights seriously.”
She also reiterated that Durham Transportation, the bus company used by AAPS, has protocols in place for responding to ICE. Parks said AAPS bus routes have been removed from the district website as an additional precaution.
“As we continue to navigate these challenging times, our commitment remains clear: we will protect the dignity, privacy, and belonging of students, families, and staff members in the Ann Arbor Public Schools,” Parks wrote.
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The district has been provided “Know Your Rights” materials to support and share with immigrant families as needed. The National Immigration Law Center suggests the following if you come in contact with ICE:
- Remain silent
- Use a Know Your Rights card, which states, “I am exercising my constitutional rights under the 4th and 5th amendment.”
- Do not sign any documents without consulting a lawyer
More information on Know Your Rights from the National Immigrant Justice Center, with links and resources to detainee locators and valid warrant examples, can be found here.
