With the amount of diversity at SHS, President Donalds Trump’s new executive order regarding “Identification of Unregistered Illegal Aliens” has left many students and families concerned about what could happen next.
While Superintendent Patrick Spray said that Perry Township does not anticipate any Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in schools, he has announced a plan if ICE were to show up. But SHS teachers and students are still worried about the possibilities.
“That’s not to say some of those activities (don’t) go on in our communities in central Indiana and certain locations,” Spray said.
The township does have set protocols in place in case ICE or another government agency were to show up at school.
Some of those steps include requesting official court documentation, contacting the student’s parents, contacting the district’s attorney, police department, superintendent’s office and more.
The district has implemented these steps in case a situation were to occur. To better understand students’ opinions on Trump’s policy, The Journal interviewed students, who will remain anonymous, to get their perspective on these policies.
“(I’m) kind of scared because my mom says if things get worse, we’re gonna move to Canada,” a freshman from South America said. “I don’t really want to.”
The student then explained that their life is here. They have moved six times in the past six months, saying that it’s scary moving from country to country so often.
Another anonymous student explained their view on the situation.
“I think it’s completely based off racism,” a sophomore from South America said.
They explained that the current situation is really scary and how they are a little bit better off than other immigrants, but still could possibly be deported.
SHS administration is committed to making students feel safe. Administrators are doing everything they can to make sure that every student is coming to school and feeling supported.“We want kids to come here because it’s not helping if they’re not coming to school and getting their education,” Principal Amy Boone said.
As this policy evolves, Perry Township Schools stands with their families and students. The township will continue to provide high quality instruction, services and support. At the same time, they will have to cooperate with all law enforcement agencies.
“We support students well when they are in a crisis,” Spray said. “And so we will continue to do that and give them the resources they need to be successful in school.”
