Heather Perry, superintendent of schools has received many questions about the recent changes to immigration practices related to schools and how the schools would respond. While many area districts have previously sent out letters, she has chosen not to until now for two significant reasons.

First and foremost, recent changes that now allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to conduct their responsibilities on the grounds of public schools will not change how the schools respond to any “outside” entity working with us. Secondly, she does not wish to add to the fearmongering that is happening nationwide regarding this topic. Gorham schools ensure their children’s safety every day. They protect children, and that will never change.

The schools frequently cooperate with law enforcement agencies and other outside entities, such as the Department of Health and Human Services or the Center for Disease Control. ICE is just another of these entities that Gorham schools would cooperate with within the letter of the law. A law enforcement agency such as ICE must operate within the law.

Perry explained, “The reality is that if an ICE agent shows up at our doors, we would ask to see their identification and confirm that it is legit, just as we would for any other outside visitor. We would then invite the agent into our admin. offices to meet with our principal and to state their business. We would be very respectful and responsive to the job these agents have to do. The principal would know to ask for things such as a subpoena or a warrant before sharing any information about a student. If needed, a principal could seek legal counsel/advice to make sure all laws are being followed.”

As a school, all information about a student that is not directory information is protected by FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) and that permission must be granted by the parent to share such information unless a lawful subpoena/warrant is issued. Even with a lawful subpoena/warrant a school has 10 days to respond to any requests for this type of information.

She continued, “We also know that there may be families out there right now who are scared because of all this ‘buzz.’ If you are that family, and you have questions or concerns regarding our safety protocols, I strongly encourage you to reach out to your building principal to talk with them, to ask them questions about our safety protocols, to understand what could happen and what to expect if something does happen. We are always here to talk with you and to support you.”