Granite students deserve to feel safe at school
Granite can do more to help students and families stay safe from ICE.
- ✓ Share information that helps students and families know their rights and stay safe from ICE
- ✓ Make it easier for families to keep personal student information private
- ✓ Help students travel safely to and from school
- ✓ Approve resources for teachers to share about staying safe from ICE
- ✓ Teach teachers how to support students who are worried about ICE
- ✓ Offer optional training for teachers who want to better protect and support students
- ✓ Help families make emergency plans before there is a crisis
This is not about giving legal advice or interfering with law enforcement. It is about keeping students safe, supporting families, and making sure teachers know how to help.
What we are asking for
Eight practical steps the district can take to reduce fear, prevent confusion, and keep students connected to school.
Protect Students' Safety and Well-Being
Students need accurate information. They should not have to rely on rumors or fear. They need enough information to stay safe if they have an encounter with ICE.
- Their constitutional rights
- When they can stay silent
- When they can ask for a trusted adult
- Why they should not lie or show false documents
- Why they should not run or physically interfere
Immigration threats, racist comments, and misinformation about immigration are on the rise. Many teachers are hesitant to respond and correct misinformation. This hesitancy sends the message to minority students that their concerns are less important than others. Granite should help staff:
- Recognize and correct misinformation before it spreads
- Respond more consistently across schools and classrooms
- Treat concerns of minority students the same as other concerns
- Offer optional training for teachers who want more information
Families need to know what information the school keeps private. Granite should clearly explain:
- What student information is protected
- What directory information is
- How families can opt out of sharing directory information
- What happens if private information is shared by mistake
School safety does not stop at the school door. Students need to feel safe walking to school, waiting at bus stops, riding the bus, getting picked up, and going home.
Granite should make it clear who families can contact when there are dangerous conditions near a school, bus stop, or route home. Bus drivers and staff should know how to recognize safety concerns and what to do when a student feels unsafe.
Support Staff So They Are Not Left Guessing
Staff want to help, but many do not know what they are allowed to say or do. Granite should give staff clear guidance on:
- How to reassure students
- How to share approved resources
- How to protect private information
- How to respond to bullying and misinformation
- How to correct false rumors
- How to connect a student with a counselor
Staff should not have to choose between saying nothing and guessing.
Some staff will want more support. Granite should offer optional training so staff can better understand:
- Student rights and safety
- Privacy protections and staff boundaries
- Immigration-related bullying
- Common misinformation students and families may hear
- How to connect families with trusted community resources
Staff who want to be prepared should have that chance.
Connect Families With Trusted Help
Families should not have to figure everything out alone. Granite should share trusted resources, such as:
- Nonprofit immigration legal-service providers
- Immigration attorney directories
- Community groups that help with translation, referrals, and family support
Schools do not need to answer every legal question. They can still help families know where to turn.
Families need basic emergency-planning information. Granite should help families think about:
- Emergency contacts
- Trusted adults
- Caregiver plans
- Important documents
- Legal and community resource contacts
Planning ahead helps keep students safe and connected to school.
The bottom line
Granite can take these steps now.