By Howard Packowitz

Unit 5 school board members seem to be unified in declaring the district a safe and welcoming place for all students, including so-called dreamers whose parents might be undocumented immigrants.

“Let’s love these children regardless of who they are, where they’re from, or any perceived wrongs or mistakes that their parents may have made,” said board member David Fortner.

The presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on school property to conduct investigations would be a disruption, according to the resolution.

Board members heard from a pair of high school social studies teachers and a student who back the proposal.

“Recent events have provided ample justification for various groups to feel disparaged or threatened,” said NCHS teacher Pat Lawler.

“While we as a school district did not create or perpetuate that toxicity, it is important that we take an affirmative stand against it,” Lawler told the board.

“This resolution is extremely important for us to pass because no one should feel scared or unsafe coming to school,” said NCHS freshman Aditi Sharma, who said she’s an immigrant from India.

Board President Jim Hayek said Unit 5 already creates a safe and welcoming environment, but he’ll vote for the resolution.

“I’m happy to support this, and I’m happy about the message that it sends and I hope it makes people feel more safe and secure,” said Hayek.

The board is expected to take final action on the resolution at its November 8 meeting.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]