Spokane Public Schools (SPS) have taken a significant step by voting unanimously to revise their policy concerning immigration enforcement on school grounds. The decision, made on Wednesday night, aims to consolidate existing procedures into a single, cohesive governance policy.

Policy Details

According to SPS Spokesperson Ryan Lancaster, the updates primarily bring together various pieces of existing policy under one umbrella, ensuring clarity and consistency. Lancaster emphasized that the actual practices regarding immigration enforcement are not changing significantly; rather, the policy is being streamlined.

The revised policy mandates that any individual attempting to conduct immigration enforcement on or near school premises must first be directed to the school principal. The principal is then responsible for verifying and recording the individual’s credentials and the names of the persons they intend to contact. Additionally, the principal must request a copy of a court order or judicial warrant.

This information is subsequently forwarded to the superintendent and legal counsel for review before any immigration enforcement officers are allowed on school grounds. The policy further stipulates that the school district will not provide student records or personal information unless specified in a court order or judicial warrant.

Board Member Support

Board Member Michael Wiser expressed support for the updated policy, stating, “I think these policies are a solid step forward…they’re not perfect, they’re not the end result, but they’re the right direction for our district.” The full policy is available for public review, reflecting the district’s commitment to transparency and legal compliance.

This policy revision underscores the district’s dedication to protecting the rights and privacy of its students while complying with legal requirements. It also highlights the importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status.

Original reporting: KREM Spokane — read the source article.