NEW BEDFORD – The School Committee voted 4-2 at its Aug. 11 meeting to approve a resolution declaring the New Bedford school district to be a "safe zone from immigration enforcement activities."
The resolution also mandates a number of specific measures:
All student info requests from ICE would be "referred to the Superintendent's Office" to ensure they comply with privacy rights and warrant standards;
the district would offer "Know Your Rights" training sessions
the district would create a "Rapid Reponse Team" if a minor is "deprived of adult care, supervision, or guardianship outside of school due to a federal law enforcement action;"
ensure no immigration status data is collected;
"the District shall minimize the presence of unfamiliar individuals — such as non-educators, police