The school board serving Iowa’s capital city reaffirmed its commitment last week to a resolution targeting immigrant students, referencing last month’s presidential election.

The Des Moines School Board first approved the resolution in 2017, labeled a “sanctuary” resolution by Des Moines Public Schools at the time. The document explains the district’s commitment to providing students with a “safe and supportive school environment” regardless of immigration or citizenship status.

Under the resolution, schools are instructed not to provide U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials with access to students, families or staff members “without having first contacted and processed their request and all relevant documentation” through the superintendent’s office. The document also tells district staff to avoid inquiring about a student’s immigration status and to ensure all students are treated “in a loving, equitable, and respectful manner.”

“The Board of Directors will do everything in its power to afford equal protection of all members of our community from attempts to criminalize or target them based on race, ethnicity, citizenship, immigration status, or national origin,” the resolution reads.

While reaffirming the school board’s commitment to the resolution last Tuesday, board member Anna Campos referenced emotions members of the community may be experiencing following the presidential election.

“Living in a democracy means embracing the peaceful transfer of power through elections,” she said. “However, the intense political rhetoric from all sides during and since the election has created anxiety and uncertain [sic] within our school community. Particularly for students and families with mixed immigration status.”

Campos explained that the school board wanted to acknowledge students and families who may be concerned about “what the future holds.”

“We understand that the fear is uncertain, especially concerning the political deportations of family members can significantly impact our students’ well-being, their attendance and their ability to learn,” she said.“Our dedication to fostering a safe and inclusive environment remains overwearing,” the board member added.

President-elect Donald Trump said via Truth Social last month his incoming administration will declare a national state of emergency and “use military assets” to carry out a mass deportation program. A coalition of 26 Republican governors pledged their support for such a program last week, including Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds.

The Des Moines School Board is not alone in highlighting its immigrant community following the presidential election. The chair of the Portland Public Schools Board of Education in Maine reminded her district last month of a 2017 resolution ensuring that, unless required by a court order, Portland Public Schools will not use resources “for the purpose of detecting or assisting in the apprehension” of individuals.

A member of the Denver Public Schools Board of Education in Colorado last month also vowed during a meeting to “take care of” families, calling it the board’s “responsibility.”

Have a news tip? Contact Kristina Watrobski at kwatrobski@sbgtv.com or at x.com/kbwatrobski.