This Phoenix school district is offering 'Know Your Rights' workshop for migrant communities

The Phoenix Union High School District will be hosting “Know Your Rights” workshops for migrant communities following increased crackdowns by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The district's governing board has declared its schools as a “safe zone” after word from the Trump administration that ICE agents can now make arrests in sensitive areas such as churches, hospitals or schools. Phoenix Union’s resolution says any request from ICE to visit a school site must be approved by Superintendent Thea Andrade.

Andrade acknowledged the fear and uncertainty in the community but affirmed that all students have the constitutional right to attend school regardless of immigration status.

Education

Phoenix Union High School District governing board adopts resolution to protect schools from ICE

Ignacio Ventura

The Phoenix Union High School District governing board unanimously adopted a resolution declaring its schools as safe zones from immigration enforcement. The action came as many families say they’re feeling fearful.

Listen • 1:04

Ceyshe Napa, Phoenix Union High School District governing board president, addressed the impact of the resolution being passed.

“We have a huge responsibility to over 20,000 students, many of whom are of color, migrant and refugee families,” Napa said. “Our students need to be on our campuses free of fear, regardless of the political climate that we find ourselves in."

Andrade sent a letter to families that the district would be hosting “Know Your Rights” workshops to educate immigrants about their legal protections.

Phoenix Union reports that 86% of its population is Latino, and half of its students live in households where English is not the primary language.