By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – A resolution declaring Unit 5 schools as a welcoming district, particularly for immigrant families, is ready for school board consideration.

On Wednesday night’s agenda is a resolution similar to one ratified in September by the District 87 School Board.

It says the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on school property, for the purpose of removing students, their relatives, or obtaining information, could disrupt a safe and welcoming environment.

The resolution said it’s in the best interests of students and staff to avoid such disruptions to the educational environment, and it pledges district personnel will not disclose information about a student’s immigration status unless it’s required by law.

Superintendent Mark Daniel recently said some students have been scared about their futures in the U.S. because of the bitter political debate over the status of Dreamers, whose parents are undocumented immigrants.

The resolution also embraces the diversity of students and their families, and the “rich language and cultural assets” they bring to Unit 5.

In his State of the District address two weeks ago, Daniel said it’s a goal of McLean County’s largest school district to hire a more diverse staff to mirror a more culturally diverse student body.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]