The Tempe Union High School District governing board unanimously passed a resolution to reaffirm a safe and welcoming environment for all amid changes in federal and state immigration and deportation laws.

The resolution outlines the district’s plans to support students, including providing counseling and resources, permitting staff to discuss the contents of the resolution with students, and advocating for students to ensure an uninterrupted learning environment.

The document also resolves to direct any request made by law enforcement agencies or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement about student records to the superintendent for legal review.

“The message is pretty clear that we as a district want to create and will continue to create a safe learning environment for every single student in this district,” board member Armando Montero said.

The document came as a result of the school district community expressing concerns about students’ safety while immigration enforcement efforts rise, according to the resolution.

“Especially in the times that we’re facing now, I think it critical that our students at least recognize that the district leadership sees them and will support them in any way that we can,” Montero said.

Conversations about how the district would protect and support its students took place as early as last November after the passage of Proposition 314, according to board member Nicole Gutierrez Miller.

“This shift has brought terror to families in our community,” Miller Gutierrez said.

Proposition 314 made it a state crime to enter the country at any location that is not a lawful port of entry, according to an analysis by the Arizona Legislature.

Additionally, a directive by the Department of Homeland Security on Jan. 21 allowed ICE and Customs and Border Protection to take enforcement actions in what were previously designated sensitive areas, according to a DHS press release. This includes schools.

“Our schools must be places of safety, inclusivity and unwavering support for every student, regardless of their background or immigration status,” said Rodrigo Palacios, president of Tempe Secondary Education Association, who spoke during the time for public comment. “This is only possible when we, as a district, take a clear stance against policies that instill fear and uncertainty in our families and our students.”

Before the vote, Board President Andres Barraza shared his parents’ experiences of being from the border town of Douglas and experiencing racism in schools, which he called a “cultural poison to a community.”

“What I’m looking at in this document is their history, and seeing families here and their histories, … and, we have an opportunity to change that cycle and make our schools not political in this aspect; it shouldn’t be political in any aspects at all.” Barraza said. “All students should feel safe and free to express themselves 100% of the time. It’s not our job to tell them what they can’t be. It’s not our job to segregate them and treat them differently.”

The vote passed unanimously.

Board members thanked Superintendent Stacia Wilson for her quick action to connect with district families on this matter.

Gutierrez Miller presented the final draft of the Resolution Reaffirming Commitment to a Safe and Welcoming Environment for All at the TUHSD Governing Board meeting on Feb. 5, prior to the passing vote.