Parents, community members speak out about CMS ICE policy at school board meeting

Kaci Jones, Caryn Little,

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education Chair Stephanie Sneed banged her gavel as a woman in the audience at Tuesday’s board meeting shouted, β€œRefuse unjust order, ban ICE from schools!” That woman was escorted out after several parents and community members spoke against CMS’ ICE policy for schools.

β€œTo allow ICE agents into schools is to betray the trust of students and trust of the community,” Dana Alazon, community member said.

In a webinar back in July, CMS officials told principals ICE agents are allowed on campus in public areas like lobbies and parking lots. The agents can arrest students, parents, or staff with a warrant signed by a judge. ICE agents are not allowed in private areas like classrooms.

Parent Emily Wheeler asked, β€œWill ICE be allowed to carry guns while in the public areas of school grounds?” She continued, β€œThen there’s the question that haunts me: how will our children be traumatized if and when they witness a teacher or family member being taken by ICE?”

A picture from May shows ICE activity near Charlotte East Language Academy. Some parents believe specific schools could be targeted for their demographics.

β€œIt’s the responsibility of our school board to think about, prepare for, and communicate inclusive safety needs, especially when we know some schools will be specifically targeted,” Wheeler said.

Board members can’t respond to public comment from the dais, but board members said student safety is a priority.

β€œICE cannot just come and set up on our campus,” said CMS Board Vice Chair Gregory Rankin. He continued, β€œIf they don’t have a warrant or subpoena, they must leave our campus.”

CMS officials say principals are trained to understand that ICE agents must have a warrant signed by a judge for access to public areas. A warrant signed by an ICE official would not grant access to public areas. CMS officials encourage any parent who fears for their child’s safety to contact the student support department.