On Monday, January 13, 2025, community members gathered to urge the leadership of Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) to make GRPS a Sanctuary District. This is in direct response to the increased threat of deportation for our undocumented community under the Trump administration. (Read the statement/petition here). 

Sanctuary districts actively prevent ICE and immigration services from acting on school grounds, parking lots, and surrounding areas. They empower districts to collaborate with community partners to provide critical resources, training, and support for those encountering ICE violence. Becoming a sanctuary district would bring a significant amount of security to thousands of GRPS students whose loved ones are without documentation.  

We acknowledge and commend GRPS for their proactive response to this threat. Superintendent Roby presented the district’s current policy, which recognizes schools as protected places and limits ICE enforcement on district property. She also shared the document all GRPS staff have received in the event that ICE does come to a school building. 

We believe that the current GRPS plan does offer students and families some protection. However, because of the increased threat of deportation, we ask GRPS to actualize the district’s commitment to truly being a “safe and welcoming space” for students. More steps are needed to keep students and their families safe. 

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Advancing Safety and Equity
We believe GRPS must take the following actions to strengthen its commitment to sanctuary and prioritize student and family safety:

1. Create a Policy Advisory Committee: GRPS should establish a policy advisory committee composed of members from the affected community. This committee would be given the power and authority to update the current GRPS response plan. This committee should include representation from Movimiento Cosecha GR and GR Rapid Response to ICE.
   
   

2. End Collaboration with GRPD on ICE Matters: GRPS should immediately amend the current policy to remove any contact with the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) regarding an ICE-related issue. GRPD has repeatedly demonstrated deep collusion with ICE around immigration enforcement. This should include referrals from the GRPS safety department to the GRPD. 
   
   

3. Prominent Signage to Protect Students: GRPS should proactively create signage that signifies schools as protected areas and warns off ICE enforcement.
   
   

4. Comprehensive Immigration Education: Push out immigration enforcement information to all students and staff, including what their rights and resources are if they encounter ICE. 

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Call to Action:
We need your voice to help GRPS take this critical step forward. On January 27, 2025, the School Board members will discuss its current district policy at a work session from 5:15pm to 6:30pm at the MLK Administration building (1331 M.L.K Ave SE). We are asking parents and community members to come and give public comments advising the district to adopt the following recommendations. 

Note: Public comments will take place before the session begins, so please arrive promptly and fill out a public comment card.

This is our moment to advocate for policies that ensure safety, dignity, and justice for all students. Whether sharing your story or standing in solidarity, your presence sends a powerful message: Our community will not rest until all children are free to learn and thrive without fear.

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