HAMMOND — The School Board of Trustees unanimously voted on Tuesday to reaffirm the district's commitment to students, regardless of immigration status.
The joint resolution with the Hammond Teachers' Federation and Hammond Hispanic Community Committee, stated that the School City of Hammond would remain to be a "safe and welcoming place for all students and families regardless of their immigration status."
Furthermore, it stated the district's policies against intimidation, bullying and discrimination of any student, including those born outside the U.S. and English language learners, would continue to be strictly enforced.
Additionally, it noted that Hammond school employees would continue to not require social security information for any student enrolling in the district and would refrain from asking about a student's or parent's immigration status.
The resolution also prohibited employees from assisting in immigration enforcement efforts unless legally required or requested by the superintendent.
The measure was brought forward by Anthony Salinas, the district's director of language development and Title III, who said the fear within the immigration community was real, and the board's support for them needed to be just as real.
"At a time when so many have been living in fear, this moment sends a powerful message that every student and family deserves to feel safe, supported and truly welcomed in our schools," said Salinas.
The resolution comes as sweeping immigration raids have taken place across the country, and President Donald Trump's administration has cleared the way for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to arrest immigrants in schools.
In addition, a bill introduced in the Indiana General Assembly proposes allowing school districts to deny enrollment for undocumented students. Similar proposals have been introduced in Tennessee and Oklahoma.
However, these proposals seemingly would challenge a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court precedent that prohibits states from denying public education to undocumented children.
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