School Committee votes down safe haven resolution for school district

Advocate Staff Report

REVERE – The School Committee was divided at their meeting late last month on Vice Chair Jacqueline Monterroso’s proposed resolution to establish the Revere School District as a safe haven.

Prior to the committee’s vote, a group of students spoke in favor of the resolution.

“Students are really scared that while they are at school someone could come and take their parents away,” Julia Figueroa told the committee. “It’s hard to focus on school when border patrol comes near a school; it makes students afraid and worried. School should be a safe place. Every student deserves to come to school without fear of immigration enforcement.”

Another student named Emily said that some of her peers have families who, like her, are not from here. “They should not have to worry about being taken from their families,” she told committee members.

A Revere High student named Endurance said she’s originally from Cameroon, but came to the United States when she was 11. “I found my place at Revere High, a place so diverse and so rich in culture it was my safe haven. Now, I am terrified to walk into school every day,” she said. She struggled to hold back tears as she described not being able to assure her little brother that they would not be deported, despite being in the U.S. legally.

Endurance stressed that no one from the school administration has spoken to immigrant students about immigration enforcement. “Not a single person has come to speak with us,” she said, adding, “Students should not be terrified in school.”

Monterroso said that in addition to the students, the committee received 30 emails in support of the resolution. She also said there is nothing new or controversial about the resolution and that it just restates and emphasizes the law. Still, committee members were concerned about unintended consequences.

Committee member Aisha Milbury-Ellis said it is important to consider the current political climate. “I don’t want to draw attention; I don’t want to make a decision that will put students in harm’s way,” she said. Milbury-Ellis went on to say that schools are already safe zones and ICE agents are not allowed to enter.

She added that the committee should consider protecting students from media attention and possible protests. “Political terms like safe haven equates to sanctuary and I don’t want to be exploited by the media. I’m not comfortable putting students at risk,” she said. Although Milbury-Ellis said the motive behind the resolution was honorable, she did not feel it was in the best interest of the students.

Committee members Frederick Sannella and Anthony Caggiano questioned what would change if the resolution were approved. School Superintendent Dr. Dianne Kelly explained that there would be no real change. “The guidance which I received from state and federal officials is to do the work and keep your head down,” said Kelly.

She said the district will continue to do right by kids. No immigration enforcement agents can enter the school without a signed warrant by a federal judge that must be presented to the superintendent’s office and subsequently the district’s lawyers. Kelly said the school district has been reaching out to immigrant families to ensure they are aware of the law and that they understand children are safe at school.

“We can keep kids safe without any grand gestures,” said Kelly. “If it brings more scrutiny, what does that do to our kids?”

“We need to do a better job with that,” said Caggiano. “If the issue is the resolution equates us to a sanctuary district, it puts the limelight on us. It’s not the time to make a resolution like that unless we’re ready and want to deal with the repercussions.”

The committee’s student rep said she was still advocating for the resolution because of news stories she’s heard from around the country. She said students were missing school because they fear the possibility of ICE raids both at school and at home. “Not making a statement leaves the community in the dark,” she said. “People are unaware of what will be done to protect their families.”

Monterroso told fellow committee members that dozens of districts have passed similar resolutions without blowback from the press or protesters. She also stressed that no one has voiced any opposition to the resolution.

However, the committee voted against adopting the resolution with Millbury-Ellis, Caggiano and Sanella voting against it.