Quick Hit: NC districts issue careful statements on fed immigration orders
Wake, Chapel-Hill Carrboro, Durham, and Orange County schools issued statements
Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) issued a carefully worded statement this week about "supporting families amid recent federal immigration orders."
WCPSS is referring to President Donald Trump's executive orders on illegal alien removals. Here are some of the related orders the president issued so far:
Clarifying the military's role in Protecting the Territorial Integrity of the United States
Securing Our Borders (Specific border actions)
Protecting the American People Against Invasion (Actions like cutting NGO funding, removing public benefits, sanctuary city crackdown)
Protecting the U.S. from Foreign Terrorism & other National Security and Safety Threats
Joining Wake County in similar statements are Chapel Hill-Carrboro, Durham and Orange County schools. Outside the triangle area, Cumberland County Schools also issued a statement.
WCPSS' statement was sent to parents in an email on Jan. 29 that was titled "Infinite Campus transition for the 2025-26 school year."
In one paragraph the statement says that the district always complies with state and federal laws, but then in the next paragraph stating they've "reminded" school building leaders about "procedures" if police come to a school, which includes calling the district lawyers.
Here's the full statement:
Our primary focus remains on the well-being, safety, and education of every student we serve, regardless of their background. We recognize that recent orders may cause uncertainty for some members of our community. We want to reaffirm our commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming environment where all children can learn and thrive.
The Supreme Court’s Plyler v. Doe decision guarantees all children the right to access a public education, regardless of citizenship status. Our district has always complied with federal and state laws and will continue to do so. We are equally committed to ensuring our schools remain safe and welcoming spaces for all students and families.
Building leaders have been reminded of the procedures that law enforcement agencies must follow when interacting with students on campus. If law enforcement seeks access to a school, we will consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
Additionally, our district does not ask for or record information about the immigration status of any family. We will continue to honor all laws protecting the privacy of student records as outlined in board policies. We encourage families to contact their school’s student support services if their child has concerns or social-emotional needs during this time.
A seven page document detailing legal guidance on what to do if ICE comes to a school was sent separately to WCPSS principals by the district.
In somewhat related news catching my eye, Huntersville Commissioner Alisia Bergsman has been called out in a lengthy post on X for caring “more about protecting criminal illegal aliens from ICE than she does about protecting the residents of Huntersville from crime.”
In particular, Bergsman was called out for posting a graphic to Facebook about use of a network to help illegal aliens avoid ICE actions in their area:
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