By LEAH DEARBORN
LYNN — The School Committee continued a discussion regarding the concerns of immigrant students on Thursday.
Member Maria Carrasco initiated the conversation at the previous committee meeting, saying she has been approached by a number of students who are worried about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) entering the schools.
In response, attorney and committee member Jared Nicholson drafted a resolution meant to clarify the law and reassure students.
Nicholson read aloud from the resolution, which stated the Lynn Public Schools’ commitment to providing a safe learning environment.
The resolution reiterated that city schools do not request immigration status information from students.
School attorney John C. Mihos said the resolution doesn’t constitute a policy change, just a restatement of the laws as they already exist.
Carrasco and committee member Donna Coppola both spoke in support of the concept of becoming a “sanctuary school district,” a distinction that Mihos said would only alter the title of the resolution and not its purpose.
“The word ‘sanctuary’ means protection for somebody who feels chased,” said Carrasco, who argued that the word alone does have some impact.
Member Patricia Capano said there have been no incidents regarding students and immigration enforcement in city schools. She said the resolution is an attempt on the committee’s part to be proactive.
Superintendent Dr. Catherine Latham said she spoke with Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett regarding the subject and was told there have been no deportations in the county.
Carrasco disputed that claim, but said she could not ethically provide the identities of the individuals impacted.
A vote to adopt the resolution was tabled in order to bring the topic to a full committee for further discussion.
Leah Dearborn can be reached at ldearborn@itemlive.com.