The federal government made waves across the country over the past month with new policies and executive orders regarding illegal immigration. Thousands have been deported, and thousands more are wondering what will happen to them.
This includes students at Highland and other schools in the Salt Lake City School District.
In response to this, district leadership has confirmed its ideals when it comes to immigration and deportation enforcement. Yandary Chatwin, SLCSD spokesperson, announced the guidelines that they have drafted regarding students who are undocumented. Chatwin wants to ensure all students that their safety is the top priority.
“Salt Lake City School District public schools will not initiate engagement with federal immigration authorities,” Chatwin announced in a letter sent to the entire district community.
This letter, sent out on the district’s platform known as Parent/Student Square, outlines five important messages for students and parents to be aware of during this time. The letter begins by stating that the district has received directions from the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security that federal immigration officers will now be allowed to enforce immigration laws in and near sensitive areas, including schools.”
The executive order that began all these new policies, signed by President Donald Trump, outlined the new rights of the federal government to deport undocumented immigrants without a trial and almost abolished safe areas for these people by allowing federal agents to now go into places like schools and churches in search for undocumented immigrants.
Highland principal Jeremy Chatterton recognizes the fear that exists in some students but believes they are safe in school.
“We are not going to have federal agents walking the halls,” Chatterton said. “We’re not going to have anyone that’s out-and-about.”
Chatterton outlines the process that a federal agent would need to go through in order to put an undocumented student into custody. Agents would not be able to raid a school looking for anyone that is an illegal immigrant on the property. First, they would need to meet with Chatterton with a subpoena before they can speak with the student. District lawyers would be involved and, if there is proper documentation, the request would be upheld.
Highland staff members are doing all that they can to assist students during this unknown time. For Emily Towler, a Spanish teacher, counselor, and the Hispaños de Highland advisor, that means putting together informational displays in the counseling center outlining students’ rights if approached by a federal immigration officer.
“I liked what the district said to all of us,” Towler said. “But I felt like some of it was written in a way that might not be approachable for all students.”
The displays include a version in English and Spanish and the policies that the district outlined in their letter to students, teachers, and parents.
“Your counselors are here for you with any stress, anxiety or fear,” it reads in large letters.
Lia Martinez, a Highland counselor, is also aware of the concerns that have risen throughout the school, district, and country and is doing all that she can to support students during this time.
“I think that it is pretty important to know that, as a school, our main task is educating our students and keeping them feeling comfortable and safe to pursue their education,” Martinez said.
Martinez also emphasized that any information that is shared with any counselor or staff member is confidential, unless there are threats of serious harm to the student or others. Additionally, the Salt Lake City School District does not collect immigration status on any of its students, so that information cannot be shared even if requested.
As guidelines surrounding immigration policies are becoming more clear, undocumented immigrants attempted to make it clear how vital their presence really is. On Monday, Feb. 3, immigrants across the nation were encouraged to stay home from school and work. Some even closed their businesses in a show of solidarity towards those being deported. This movement, known as ‘A Day Without Immigrants,’ included several Latino-owned businesses in Utah such as Rancho Markets and Señor Pollo Mexican Grill, both of which remained closed for the day.
The Highland counselors, administration, staff, and teachers continue to do all that they can to support students, even during this unknowing time.
“We really want all our students to know that they belong here and they’re welcome here,” Martinez said.
