LWPTSA did not write these protocols. We gathered them from trusted sources to help our families feel informed, supported, and aware of their rights and available resources.
- Safe and Inclusive Schools:
- The Washington State PTA Resolution 18.25, the National PTA position, and the WA Attorney General’s Keep Washington Working model guidance all emphasize that schools must be safe, welcoming environments for every child, regardless of immigration status, and should not be used for or assist in immigration enforcement.
- Limited Cooperation with ICE:
- The KWW model policy gives clear direction that schools should not collect or share immigration-related information and should require legal process before granting ICE access. WSPTA and National PTA echo this by opposing school participation in immigration enforcement and by supporting protected or sensitive zones around schools.
- Protected or Sensitive Locations:
- WSPTA recommends a 500-foot protection zone; the National PTA supports Safe Zones and discourages enforcement near educational spaces, and the older federal ICE guidance (now rescinded) similarly treated schools as sensitive locations. All align on the idea that learning environments must remain free from fear of immigration enforcement.
- Right to Education and Essential Services:
- All three: National PTA, WSPTA, and the AG’s model guidance reaffirm that every child has the right to a free public education (citing Plyler v. Doe), access to school meals, healthcare, and other supports regardless of status.
- Community Education and Response Preparedness:
- The WA Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) adds practical supports including: the statewide hotline, multilingual Know Your Rights materials, and training resources that complement the policy positions by giving families and schools concrete steps to take if ICE activity occurs near a school or in the community.
- Law Enforcement Direction:
- If ICE appears at your school or another protected location, stay calm and call 911 immediately.
RESOURCES:
- Bystander & Observer Guidelines – WAISN https://share.google/cKklKer0CJce8TbDr
- Deportation Defense Actions Flyer – WAISN https://waisn.org/deportation-defense-actions-flyer/
- Keep Washington Working Flyer – WAISN https://share.google/PNDu0tIt6ZcMCeHaU
- WAISN Deportation Defense Hotline Flyer – WAISN https://share.google/Rc6T4HWVrlXh3SgvG
LWPTSA put together 1 page flyers if you want to distribute this information.
- PDF with links (great for emailing or posting online)
- PDF with QR codes (great for printing and posting)