Union County protesters demand schools define protections for undocumented NC students
A crowd of protesters gathered before Union County Public Schools’ board meeting Tuesday, chanting, “No hate! No fear! Immigrants are welcome here!” as school board members walked from their cars to the building.
Protesters are demanding transparency from the district’s leaders about what UCPS will do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers show up on its campuses, following President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration.
“We got here early because we wanted to make sure they saw us,” said Jen Sanders, a Union County resident. “We want to make sure they know this is their responsibility.”
The Department of Homeland Security repealed on Jan. 21 a longstanding provision protecting “sensitive spaces,” like schools, churches and hospitals, from raids by ICE.
Several local school districts have since issued statements to families and staff outlining the district’s protocols if agents arrive on campus. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, for example, clarified that officials may only enter schools or access student records with appropriate warrants, and no district employee is permitted to voluntarily disclose a student’s immigration status.
Attendees of Tuesday’s protest called on UCPS, a district of 41,000 students, to issue guidance as well.
“We need to establish clear protocols to protect immigrant students,” said Nayra Valle, a Union County parent and the organizer of the protest. “I would like for Union County Public Schools to let us know what they’re going to do for our immigrant students.”
Prior to Tuesday’s board meeting, UCPS issued a statement to the press, saying the district “will adhere to local, state and federal laws and policies regarding immigration matters.” It also stipulates staff are obligated to safeguard confidential information.
Valle, and others, said they’d like to see more.
“Like CMS did — sending out an email to all parents and staff letting them know their clear protocols — that’s what we want as well,” said Valle. “That way, we can be prepared.”
Lillie Auslander is an 11th-grader in UCPS. She said announcing guidelines is about more than transparency. It’s about knowing district leadership cares about all students.
“UCPS does not do enough to support its minorities,” she said. “I would be terrified being in school knowing these officials could come in and take my peers. We should go to school feeling safe and comfortable to learn, not thinking, ‘Are they going to take me? Are they going to take my friends?’”
During the public comments section of Tuesday’s meeting, speakers spoke for and against UCPS outlining protections for undocumented students.
Supporters said it’s necessary to protect students’ rights. All children are constitutionally guaranteed free public education regardless of immigration status according to the Supreme Court’s 1982 Plyler v. Doe decision. Opponents said they worried doing so would require UCPS to break the law.
UCPS leadership briefly addressed the concerns brought during public comment.
“We have given guidance to our principals last week,” said UCPS Superintendent Andrew Houlihan. “We did outline our protocols regarding student safety at all times. We will continue to follow updates related to this matter.”
He said all warrants or court orders presented at schools will be reviewed by general counsel, and if legal and legitimate, the district will comply.
Jarrod McCraw, the district’s assistant superintendent for student support, said he has regularly worked with the county sheriff’s office and local law enforcement in the past and doesn’t intend to change any current protocols for working with law enforcement.
“Currently, there is no plan to change anything we’ve done over the last 10 to 15 years I’ve worked with them,” he said. “There’s no plan for them to come into our schools. That is always a last resort They try to connect with students, staff, families outside of our schools.”
This story was originally published February 4, 2025 at 10:21 PM.
