Our schools should be places of learning, growth, and community—not fear. Yet, for too many students and families, fear of immigration enforcement disrupts their lives and undermines trust in the very institutions meant to support them. By adopting a Safe Zone resolution, we can take a stand to ensure that every child in West Point feels safe, supported, and able to thrive in the classroom.

Who We Are

We are an informal coalition of educators, students, parents, and residents of West Point, united by our shared commitment to making our schools safe for all. Together, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and the responsibility of our community to protect every child’s right to learn without fear and ensure that West Point schools remain welcoming spaces for all families.

Why Do We Need Safe Zones Right Now?

Immigration enforcement near schools creates an environment of fear and uncertainty that harms students, families, and communities. Even under past protections like the Obama-era “sensitive locations” guidance, ICE exploited loopholes to target families near schools. The rescission of these safeguards, paired with the looming threat of policies like Project 2025, has placed schools on the frontlines of this crisis.

When immigration enforcement happens near schools:

• Parents fear driving their children to school, leading to drops in attendance.

• Students, already carrying the weight of uncertainty at home, struggle to focus on learning.

• Communities experience fractured relationships and a loss of trust in public education.

Safe Zone resolutions address this crisis by ensuring schools remain sanctuaries for learning—not battlegrounds for enforcement.

What is a Safe Zone Resolution?

A Safe Zone resolution is a formal policy adopted by a school district to protect students and families from unnecessary immigration enforcement. It includes:

• Prohibiting the collection of immigration-related information to prevent schools from becoming data hubs for ICE.

• Establishing clear protocols for handling ICE requests, ensuring that any interactions prioritize student safety.

• Declaring schools as safe spaces for learning, open to every child regardless of immigration status.

Safe Zone policies do not shield individuals committing serious crimes. They ensure due process is followed while protecting the safety of students and families.

Why Safe Zones Work

Safe Zone resolutions are more than symbolic gestures—they are practical, actionable policies that:

• Reduce fear by clearly defining schools as places where enforcement actions are limited.

• Foster trust between schools and families, creating stronger communities.

• Comply with legal protections such as Plyler v. Doe, which guarantees the right to education for all children regardless of immigration status.

Communities across the country—from urban districts like Los Angeles to rural areas in Colorado—have successfully implemented Safe Zone policies. These resolutions demonstrate that protecting students strengthens schools and benefits everyone.

Why It Matters for West Point

West Point’s schools reflect the diversity, resilience, and shared values of our community. By adopting a Safe Zone resolution, we reaffirm our commitment to:

• Inclusivity: Every child deserves to feel welcome and supported at school.

• Safety: No family should have to choose between their child’s education and their safety.

• Justice: Schools must be sanctuaries of growth and opportunity, not places of fear.

This is not just a policy decision—it’s a moral imperative. Together, we can ensure that West Point leads the way in creating a safe, supportive environment for all students.