Resolution: Standing With Minnesota Educators to Protect Safe, Welcoming Schools Free From Immigration Enforcement

Whereas, the Metro Nashville Education Association (MNEA) is committed to the safety, dignity, and educational rights of all students regardless of immigration status; and

Whereas, the U.S. Supreme Court in Plyler v. Doe (1982) affirmed that every child in the United States has the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status; and

Whereas, recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota—including the shooting of a community member, the detention of an educator, and the use of pepper spray on students, have created fear, disrupted learning, and placed schools under lockdown; and

Whereas, these actions forced Minnesota schools to close for multiple days, depriving students of instructional time and causing significant emotional harm to students, families, and educators; and

Whereas, Education Minnesota has publicly demanded that ICE operations stay away from schools, recognizing that enforcement near campuses endangers students, educators, and families and undermines teaching and learning; and

Whereas, MNEA stands in solidarity with Minnesota educators, students, and families impacted by these actions; and

Whereas, recent federal policy changes have removed prior “sensitive location” protections, increasing the likelihood that educators may encounter immigration enforcement on or near school campuses; and

Whereas, student privacy is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which prohibits the release of student records or personal information without a valid judicial warrant or court order; and

Whereas, Metro Nashville Public Schools has established protocols requiring staff to notify administration, verify credentials, and defer to district legal counsel before responding to ICE requests; and

Whereas, educators must be informed, supported, and protected when navigating potential immigration enforcement situations in their schools;

Therefore, Be It Resolved that MNEA:

  • Affirms that schools must remain safe, welcoming spaces free from immigration enforcement, where students can learn without fear, intimidation, or disruption;

  • Stands in solidarity with Education Minnesota and Minnesota educators, condemning ICE operations near schools that threaten student safety, undermine learning, and traumatize school communities;

  • Opposes any ICE enforcement activity on or near school campuses that jeopardizes student safety, instructional time, or educator working conditions;

  • Supports strict adherence to FERPA and student privacy protections, and opposes the release of student information to immigration authorities without a valid judicial warrant reviewed by district legal counsel;

  • Calls on MNPS to continue and strengthen clear protocols for responding to ICE presence, including mandatory staff training, consistent procedures, and immediate legal consultation;

  • Encourages collaboration with community legal organizations to support immigrant students and families facing fear, uncertainty, or potential enforcement actions; and

  • Calls on federal and state leaders to restore and enforce protections that keep ICE away from schools, recognizing that classrooms must never be sites of immigration enforcement.

Be It Finally Resolved that:

MNEA pledges to continue advocating for policies that protect immigrant students, support educators, and ensure that every child can attend school free from fear, intimidation, or disruption.


Metropolitan Nashville Education Association