New Jersey Schools Stand Firm to Support Immigrant Students
New Jersey schools are taking a proactive approach to protect immigrant students and families as federal immigration policies continue to evolve. State education officials have issued guidance to help schools remain safe spaces while adhering to federal laws. This move comes as changes to immigration enforcement policies raise concerns about student safety and privacy.
The state’s Department of Education (NJDOE) is committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their immigration status, can attend public schools safely. A new webpage has been introduced to provide resources for school staff, including instructions for handling situations where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents appear on school grounds.
Guidance for Schools: Steps to Ensure Safety
The NJDOE’s guidance advises schools to follow specific steps if ICE agents request access. These include:
Immediately notifying the district superintendent.
Requesting credentials and documentation from the agents.
Ensuring that ICE agents have a valid judicial warrant before granting access.
Schools are also encouraged to consult their legal counsel to verify the validity of warrants. Administrative immigration warrants, which are not signed by a judge, are insufficient to allow ICE entry into school premises.
Protecting Privacy and Student Records
Student records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This law restricts schools from sharing personal information without parental consent. However, schools can disclose limited “directory information” unless families opt out. Districts are advised to establish clear policies and processes to help families safeguard their privacy.
The guidance also emphasizes that schools should not document or ask for the immigration status of students or their families. During the registration process, schools should not require Social Security numbers, focusing instead on verifying a student’s age and residency in the district.
Addressing Deportation-Related Trauma
More than 40% of New Jersey students live in households with immigrants, with over 10% having undocumented family members. These families face heightened anxiety due to recent policy changes. Schools are working to provide resources to help students and families cope with deportation-related trauma. Organizations like Make the Road New Jersey and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Jersey are hosting “Know Your Rights” sessions to educate communities on their legal protections.
Local Law Enforcement’s Role
New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive ensures that local police do not assist with federal immigration enforcement. This policy aims to build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. If ICE agents appear, school staff are advised to assume their purpose is immigration enforcement, not public safety.
Montclair Police Lt. Tyrone Williams assured the community that his department would prioritize school safety. Similarly, Montclair Superintendent Damen Cooper confirmed that the district is updating its policies to protect students during registration and in daily school operations.
A Call to Action for Schools
Schools across New Jersey are urged to communicate policies clearly to families in their preferred languages. By fostering trust and providing clear guidance, districts can help alleviate fears among immigrant families and ensure that all students feel safe and supported.
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