PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The School District of Philadelphia came under fire last week from students who say they feel unprotected from federal immigration enforcement.
Seventh-grade teacher Kurt Ostrow told the school board about an instance in which he tried to reassure a student that he was safe from immigration authorities because he was a citizen. The student replied that he was still scared because he didn’t look like a citizen.
“Even though I could assure him in that moment that he was safe from ICE in schools, it still felt heartbreaking that I couldn’t assure him that he was safe,” he said.
The district pointed to its online toolkit listing policies and organizations that provide support for immigrant students. Nina Chen, a junior at the Academy at Palumbo, told the board that the district’s response to students’ anxiety was woefully short.
“A sheet of paper is nowhere near enough in comparison to direct support by bilingual counselors who can guide them through academic and emotional challenges,” she said.
Superintendent Tony Watlington conceded that what happens outside of school is likely beyond district control. However, he said principals have been told not to allow ICE agents in without a warrant.
“Our schools will not provide any information about students, families or staff unless directed by the Office of General Counsel,” he said.
This week, the district directed all employees to complete a training course on related policies. Watlington said that so far, there have been no confirmed cases of immigration agents trying to enter a Philly school.