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Supporting Our Immigrant Families

MISD Board Approves Resolution 739 - Protecting the Right To Learn: Resolution on Student Safety, Privacy and Immigration Enforcement

The Mercer Island School District stands firm in its commitment to protect the educational rights of students regardless of background, identity or immigration status. 

At the Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Special School Board Meeting the board unanimously approved Resolution No. 739 - Protecting the Right To Learn: Resolution on Student Safety, Privacy and Immigration Enforcement.

Commitment of Resolution 

Resolution 739 declares the Mercer Island School District will develop a formal District Policy to ensure the District meets it duties if responding to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or any federal, state, or local law enforcement agent or agency acting to enforce federal immigration laws on District property. 

"Our commitment, as a Board, is to ensure every student has the right to learn in a safe, supportive environment—one where they feel a true sense of belonging—regardless of their background, identity, or immigration status. Resolution 739 is a clear step forward in making that commitment a reality, reinforcing our dedication to protecting students and fostering schools where all children feel welcome, valued, and able to thrive." - Cristina Martinez, MISD Board Director

The resolution indicates the formal District Policy will be based on the guidance provided to staff by the Superintendent on January 24, 2025.

Commitments in the Resolution Include: 

Commitment 1 - Board declares the District to be a "Safe Zone" for all students, meaning that the District is a place for students to learn, to thrive and to seek assistance, information, and support related to any immigration law enforcement that interferes with their learning experience.

Commitment 2 - The District shall, within 30 days of the date of this Resolution, provide resources to District families informing them of the District’s obligation under federal and state law to provide all children, regardless of immigration status, with equal access to public education at the elementary and secondary level.

Commitment 3 - Given the likelihood of substantial disruption posed by the presence of ICE or any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency acting to enforce federal immigration laws, that any request to visit a school site must be presented to the Superintendent’s Office for review as to whether access to the site is required by law, a judicial warrant is required, or any other legal considerations apply.

Commitment 4 - In its continued commitment to the protection of student privacy, the District shall review its record-keeping policies and practices with respect to students’ immigration status or place of birth; and cease any future collection to the extent permitted by law.

Commitment 5 - The District shall post this Resolution at every school site and distribute it to District staff, students, and parents using usual means of communication.

District Policy and Procedure

The District Policy and Procedure Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Schools were adopted by the Board on June 11, 2025. 

The Policy establishes MISD’s commitment to safeguarding students and families from unauthorized immigration-related activities on school grounds and sets the foundation for accompanying procedures to ensure compliance with applicable legal standards.

Enforcement of Immigration Policies:
  • District adheres to all requirements of prevailing federal and state law.
  • This Policy’s provisions apply to all District-owned, leased, or rented facilities and adjacent areas including parking areas; sports facilities; playgrounds; and entrances and exits from said buildings/spaces.
  • District policies prohibiting participation or aid in immigration enforcement shall apply to enforcement activity against students and their families, staff, and volunteers.
  • District personnel shall presume that activities by federal immigration authorities, including surveillance, as presumptively related to and constituting immigration enforcement.
Commitment to Educational Access:
  • The District has a responsibility to ensure that all students who reside within its boundaries can safely access a free public K-12 education.
  • The District does not exclude students from receiving an education or unlawfully discriminate against anyone because of their race, color, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, immigration or citizenship status, sex, creed, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, sexual orientation, or on any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.
  • The District will uphold its responsibility to all students and ensure that all staff know the legal rights of immigrant students and the District’s responsibility to protect those rights.

Supporting Our Families

In partnership with the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) we have provided the resources linked below for immigrant families.

Angelica Alvarez is the Director, Student & Family Centered Improvement Initiatives with PSESD. If families have questions they can reach out to her at 425-917-7842 or aalvarez@psesd.org