School board passes resolution affirming student safety, legal compliance and access to education

RESOLUTION
AFFIRMING  STUDENT  SAFETY,  LEGAL  COMPLIANCE,  AND  ACCESS  TO 
EDUCATION  IN  RESPONSE  TO  RECENT IMMIGRATION RELATED  EVENTS

WHEREAS, 
Osseo Area Schools, Independent School District No. 279 (“the District”), is responsible for providing safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environments for all students; and

WHEREAS,
under Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982), public school districts are required to provide access to a free public education to students regardless of immigration status and may not take actions that deny, deter, or chill that access; and

WHEREAS,
To not deter access to education, the District does not collect information regarding immigration status and will not release student educational records unless required by specific judicial or legislative authority. Consistent with these protections, federal law limits the role of public schools in civil immigration enforcement, including prohibiting access to non public school property by officials enforcing immigration laws without a judicially executed warrant, and restricting any actions that may interfere with students’ constitutional or statutory rights; and

WHEREAS,
these requirements arise from Supreme Court orders, federal and state constitutional protections as well as federal and state laws; and

WHEREAS,
the District recognizes that fear or uncertainty related to immigration enforcement activities—whether real or perceived—is negatively affecting student attendance, engagement, and well-being; and

WHEREAS,
Recent events in Minneapolis, including the loss of life of a woman and concerns of federal immigration enforcement officers on school district property, have heightened fear, trauma, and uncertainty among students and families across the region, particularly those from immigrant, refugee, and mixed status households; and

WHEREAS,
the Board of Education affirms that access to education, student safety, and compliance with applicable law are essential to the mission of Osseo Area Schools; and

WHEREAS,
this resolution is consistent with and supports the mission, vision and strategic priorities of Osseo Area Schools:

• Mission: To ensure that all students are prepared to achieve their goals, contribute to their communities, and thrive in a dynamic world.
• Vision: Every student will have access to a high-quality education in a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that inspires lifelong learning and personal growth.
• Strategic Priority: Create safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environments that foster global curiosity, belonging, innovation and engagement.
  • A1 – Implement the conditions that respect and value each and every scholar’s race, culture and identity.
  • A2 – Ensure secure learning environments that promote access and opportunity for equitable, innovative learning experiences across all district sites. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
by the Board of Education of Osseo Area Schools, Independent School District No. 279, that:

1. The District shall continue to provide equal access to its educational programs and services in accordance with state and federal law, without regard to a student’s or family’s immigration status. No District action, policy, or practice shall impede or discourage enrollment, attendance, or participation based on immigration concerns.
2. The District shall continue to comply with all applicable federal and state laws. The District shall not participate in, assist with, or facilitate civil immigration enforcement activities except where expressly required by law. District employees shall continue to not inquire into, collect, or share information for the purpose of immigration enforcement.
3. Consistent with current practice, civil immigration enforcement officials shall not be granted access to non-public areas of District buildings, school grounds, or school transportation unless presented with a valid judicial warrant or court order, which shall be reviewed and handled by District General Counsel.
4. The District shall continue to protect student education records in accordance with federal and state laws and does not disclose a student’s or family’s information unless required by law. Any request will be reviewed and handled by District General Counsel.
5. Any request from immigration enforcement agencies involving students, staff, facilities, or records shall be immediately referred to the District General Counsel.  
6. The Superintendent or designee’s communications of administrative procedures and staff guidance shall continue as reflected in this resolution. This shall include updated protocols, staff training, and clear procedures for responding to immigration related inquiries or presence on school property.
7. The District reaffirms that schools must remain safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all students. The District shall continue to support students and families affected by immigration related events, including access to mental health resources, culturally responsive support, and community partnerships.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
that the Superintendent or designee is directed to communicate this resolution to District staff and, as appropriate, and to the school community, reinforcing the District’s commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and legally compliant learning environment for all students, fully aligned with the mission and vision of Osseo Area Schools.