The Latino community within our educational institutions is facing unjust treatment due to prevailing immigration policies. Students who are part of schools outside the Cleveland Metropolitan School District are particularly vulnerable as these institutions lack protective measures to safeguard their students from immigration enforcement actions.

This petition aims to call upon our school district to implement a policy specifically designed to protect registered students who might be compromised if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were to conduct operations near school premises. The presence of ICE can instill fear, anxiety, and disruption in the educational journey of our students, irrespective of their legal status.

Currently, many schools across the nation, such as those in the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Chicago Public Schools, have adopted "safe haven" policies. These policies restrict ICE agents' access to students and staff on school property without explicit permission from district officials, ensuring that students' education is not interrupted and they can attend school without fear of arrest or deportation.

Our district must take proactive steps to join these forward-thinking educational institutions by enacting similar protections. We propose the development and implementation of a "safety zone" policy that prevents any immigration enforcement on school property and within a designated perimeter. This policy would protect not only the physical safety of our students but also their emotional and psychological well-being, fostering an environment where they feel safe and valued.

I encourage the district to collaborate with legal experts, community leaders, and educators to ensure the policy is comprehensive and legally sound. This initiative would send a strong, positive message that our schools are committed to safeguarding the rights and education of all students, regardless of their immigration status.

Sign this petition to urge our school district to recognize the urgency of this matter and to take swift action in implementing a policy that guarantees the safety and security of our Latino community. Let's create an atmosphere of safety, respect, and inclusivity for every student in our district.