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Board Approved School Policy Updates

The following school policy updates have been approved by our Premier Arts Academy School Board. For the full school policy, click here
Premier Arts Academy School Board Policy: Protocol for Handling Visits from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents

Purpose:
Premier Arts Academy is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students, regardless of immigration status. This policy establishes clear procedures for handling visits from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in compliance with state and federal laws, while safeguarding the privacy and rights of students, staff, and families.

Policy Statement:
Premier Arts Academy recognizes that the presence of ICE agents on school grounds may cause significant distress to students and their families. In order to protect the rights and safety of our community, the school will adhere to this policy whenever ICE agents seek to enter the school premises or request access to student or staff information.

Definitions:

  • ICE Agent: An officer or official of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws.
  • FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
  • Sensitive Locations Policy: ICE's internal policy, which generally restricts enforcement actions at sensitive locations such as schools, unless extraordinary circumstances apply.

Procedures:

  1. Access to School Grounds:
  • ICE agents will not be permitted to enter school grounds or any school building without presenting a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge. Administrative warrants issued by ICE or the Department of Homeland Security do not provide sufficient grounds for entry.
  • ICE agents arriving without a judicial warrant will be informed that they may not access the school premises and should contact the school’s legal counsel for further communication.
  1. Review of Warrants:
  • Upon presentation of a judicial warrant, the Head of School or their designee will immediately review the warrant in consultation with the school’s legal counsel to confirm its validity. The warrant must specifically identify the individual(s) sought and be legally sufficient for the requested action.
  • If the warrant is valid, legal counsel will guide the school on the appropriate response, including any necessary interaction with ICE agents.
  1. Protecting Student and Staff Privacy (FERPA):
  • Student and staff records, including personal information related to immigration status, will not be disclosed to ICE agents without a valid subpoena, court order, or judicial warrant. Under FERPA, the privacy of education records is protected, and access will be denied unless legally mandated.
  • If ICE agents request student or staff records, the request must be reviewed by legal counsel before any information is shared.
  1. Notification of Administration and Legal Counsel:
  • The front office staff will immediately notify the Head of School or designated school administrator if ICE agents are present. The Head of School will contact the school’s legal counsel for guidance before engaging with ICE agents or taking any further action.
  • ICE agents will be asked to wait in a designated private area away from students and staff while the legal review is conducted.
  1. Communication with Families and the School Community:
  • In the event that ICE agents visit the school, the Head of School will notify the parent or legal guardian of any student involved, ensuring that families are informed about their rights.
  • Following the incident, the school board and relevant stakeholders will be briefed, and a communication will be issued to the school community as appropriate, ensuring student privacy is protected.
  1. Staff Training and Responsibilities:
  • All school employees will receive annual training on this policy, including how to respond to visits from ICE agents, the legal requirements for warrants, and the protections afforded under FERPA. Staff will also be trained on how to maintain a calm and safe environment during such incidents.
  • Any staff member who encounters an ICE agent must direct them to the front office and immediately inform the Head of School.
  1. Student Protection and De-escalation:
  • ICE agents are not permitted to question or detain students on school grounds without a valid judicial warrant and without the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
  • The school will take steps to minimize disruptions during ICE visits, ensuring that students continue their school day without unnecessary alarm. Counseling and support will be offered to students who may feel affected by the presence of ICE agents.
  1. Partnerships with Local Authorities and Advocacy Groups:
  • Premier Arts Academy will collaborate with local law enforcement, legal services, and community organizations to ensure that students and families are informed of their rights and can access appropriate support if needed.
  • The school will maintain a list of local resources and legal aid organizations that can assist families in the event of ICE involvement.
  1. Documentation:
  • The Head of School or designee will document all interactions with ICE agents, including the details of any warrant presented, the nature of the request, and the school’s response. This documentation will be shared with legal counsel and retained for future reference.

Review and Amendment:
This policy will be reviewed annually by the school administration and legal counsel to ensure it remains in compliance with current laws and regulations. The Board reserves the right to amend this policy as necessary to reflect changes in state or federal law or to better serve the needs of the school community.

Adoption Date:
This policy was adopted by the Premier Arts Academy School Board on Jan 27, 2025

Effective Date:
This policy is effective immediately upon adoption.