Every student deserves a chance to learn, thrive, and grow in an environment free from fear. That principle may seem obvious, but in today’s uncertain and often divisive climate, it bears repeating — and defending.

In Hawaiʻi, where the values of aloha, respect, and inclusivity are deeply rooted in our communities, we have a special responsibility to uphold the promise that our public schools are sanctuaries of learning, not places of fear or discrimination.

At its April 10, 2025, meeting, the Hawaiʻi State Board of Education adopted a resolution making that promise crystal clear: Hawaiʻi’s public schools must be places where students can learn and thrive free of fear, conflict, and stress — regardless of their immigration status.

This is not just a symbolic statement. It’s a necessary reaffirmation of our values, grounded in law and shaped by the lived experiences of many of our students and families.

In Hawaiʻi, as across the country, immigrant students — many of whom are U.S. citizens or legal residents — face heightened anxiety due to increasingly visible immigration enforcement actions in public spaces.

These fears don’t stay at home. They follow students to school, disrupt their learning, and erode the trust that is essential to a healthy educational environment.

It’s The Law

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 1982 decision in Plyler v. DOE made it clear that all children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to a free public education. That right cannot be undermined by intimidation or the threat of enforcement action near our schools.

Yet recently, there have been reports across the nation of immigration enforcement activities near school campuses — an alarming trend that contradicts historical federal guidance and threatens the well-being of our students and their families.

That’s why this resolution is so important. It does more than just affirm student rights – it outlines concrete commitments and policies that protect those rights.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Education does not — and will not — ask about or record immigration status. School staff are informed not to initiate contact with federal immigration officials regarding students.

And, except in extreme, life-threatening emergencies, schools should not allow individuals or organizations to enter schools if such a visit disrupts the educational setting.

This resolution also urges the DOE to continue policies that prioritize student safety over compliance with any request that could undermine student trust. It extends the definition of “school” beyond just classrooms and hallways to include school buses, bus stops, and any school-related activity.

This broad scope is vital — it reflects the reality that students carry their fears with them wherever school takes place.

These protections are not about shielding people from the law — they are about ensuring that the law protects every child’s right to learn

Public schools are not immigration checkpoints. They are centers of community, discovery, and opportunity.

When students fear that they or their family members could be targeted at school, that environment of trust collapses. That fear doesn’t just affect undocumented students — it affects their classmates, teachers, and the broader school community.

In Hawaiʻi, we believe in lifting up every student, no matter their background or circumstances. Our state has long been a place where people from all walks of life live, work, and learn together. This resolution reaffirms that spirit and ensures our public schools remain spaces of hope, not harm.

Now more than ever, we must ensure that our commitment to equity and inclusion is more than words on paper. This resolution is a promise to our students: You belong here. You are safe here. And we will stand up for your right to learn free of fear.