LYNN — The Lynn Public Schools have joined other districts in Massachusetts in promising to protect students against the effects of President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders.
Only hours into his administration, President Trump reversed a Biden-era policy that prevented U.S. immigration agents from carrying out arrests at or near schools, churches and hospitals, areas previously designated as “sensitive locations.”
In response, Superintendent Evonne Alvarez affirmed the Lynn Public Schools as “safe and welcoming sanctuaries for all students.” She also said that the LPS would continue to stand firm behind a resolution adopted by the School Committee in 2017.
That document resolves that “all LPS students have the same right to a free public education and associated school services, and that all LPS students will be treated equally regardless of their immigration status.” Further, “LPS personnel shall not inquire about, record, or request information intended to reveal the immigration status of a student, or a family member of a student or prospective student.”
Any federal immigration enforcement officers who request entrance to any Lynn school building must be brought to the main office, the resolution states. Notification will then be made to the superintendent, who, with the aid of the attorney for LPS, will meet with and verify the agents’ credentials, reasons for the visit, and a copy of a warrant signed by federal or state judge or magistrate. Access shall not be granted in the absence of a valid warrant.
“The resolution affirms our work on behalf of our students and families and reiterates our commitment to maintaining a multicultural school community dedicated to the realization of the full intellectual, physical, social, and emotional potential of all students, regardless of immigration status,” Alvarez said. “Please know that Lynn Public Schools does not ask for immigration status from current or prospective students and does not keep this kind of data.”
“We also remind the community that the Lynn Public Schools and Lynn Police Department continue to have a collaborative relationship to ensure the safety of our schools, and that Lynn Police Officers do not carry out the business of federal immigration law enforcement,” Alvarez added.
When asked how the sudden reversal of the Biden-era policy might affect legal matters for schools going forward, Alvarez responded, “This is obviously a fluid situation, and we are in discussions with legal counsel seeking additional guidance. What is certain is that Lynn Public Schools will continue to do everything in our power to maintain a safe and positive learning environment for all students.”
President Trump’s executive order has sent swift and sudden shockwaves around the region. This week, Superintendent of Boston Public Schools Mary Skipper said that the BPS would continue to “welcome all children, regardless of immigration status, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, country of origin, or language.” Worcester Public Schools even told families that it had protections in place for possible interactions with immigration agents.
In his State of the City address on Tuesday, Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson said, “We’re ready to respond to whatever comes out of Washington. We don’t know yet what that will be. But we are a welcoming, inclusive community. We’ll support all of our residents regardless of immigration status. And we’ll fight for our values and one another.”
On Thursday, he reaffirmed that stance. “Our Administration fully supports and aligns with the Lynn Public Schools’ commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students, regardless of immigration status.”
