SOUTH BEND — Board members of the South Bend Community School Corp. unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday night that they hope will ease fears among immigrant families in the district.
The resolution asserts that "it is not the mission, purpose or role of the South Bend Community School Corp. to determine the citizenship or immigration status of any of its students or families, nor to enforce federal immigration laws."
While the resolution does not label the South Bend Community School Corp. a "sanctuary district," it does state that the school corporation will provide access to education and extracurricular activities regardless of the immigration status of students and their families.
School districts, universities and cities across the United States have discussed making such declarations since Donald Trump began his presidency in January. Trump has promised to enforce immigration laws more aggressively and step up deportations of people who are in this country without authorization.
Michelle Engel, the South Bend school board's vice president, drafted the resolution that the board approved Tuesday.
"There is fear out there," Engel said. "We welcome and educate everyone who comes through our doors."
John Anella, one of the board's at-large members, said the resolution affirms the school district's values.