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Community Safety Advisory

Community Safety Advisory

Dear Students and Families:

We understand that recent reports about the potential for increased federal agency presence in the area are causing concern, anxiety, and fear for many in our community. While there are no confirmed details about if or when this may occur, please know that the safety and well-being of our students, families, and staff remain our highest priority.

ETHS is actively monitoring the situation and working closely with our public safety partners at the City of Evanston to protect our students. We encourage members of our school community to stay informed and report any sightings of federal agents to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) hotline at (855-435-7693) or visit icirr.org.

Evanston Township High School District 202 remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students and families. ETHS will continue to serve as a safe haven for students and staff to the fullest extent permitted by law. We are fully committed to protecting the rights of all students to a free public education, regardless of immigration status. We will uphold our responsibility to ensure that every student has access to education, resources, and a safe space to learn.

ETHS Procedures and Protocols

We are providing continued guidance to administrators and the appropriate staff, including Safety personnel, on student rights, protections, and protocols for handling any potential interactions with federal agencies.

As a reminder, under the Evanston Welcoming City Ordinance and the District 202 Safe Haven Resolution, ETHS:

  • DOES NOT ask our families about their immigration status.
  • WILL NOT release immigration status or related information in confidential student or staff records except in rare cases where there is a court order or parent/guardian consent.
  • WILL NOT coordinate with federal agencies or grant federal agents access to our facilities without a judicial warrant signed by a federal judge.
  • WILL NOT allow any federal law enforcement activities to disrupt the school’s learning environment.

If there is confirmed federal activity in Evanston that could affect the safety of our students or staff, ETHS is prepared to take proactive measures, which may include:

  • Restricting movement on and off campus during the school day (e.g., suspending off-campus lunch or outside classroom activities)
  • Designating safe spaces for students who do not feel comfortable leaving campus after dismissal
  • Limiting campus access to individuals with verified appointments only
  • Notifying the Evanston Police Department of any federal agency presence on campus

Coordination with Local Authorities

We remain in close communication with the City of Evanston, the Evanston Police Department (EPD), and our legal partners, including specific coordination around the potential deployment of federal troops to the area. Our response will be developed in partnership with these agencies to ensure a unified approach and to prioritize the safety and well-being of our school community.

Please note: Evanston Police Department officers will always wear uniforms or vests clearly marked with “Evanston Police” to ensure they are easily identifiable to students, families, staff and federal agencies.

Safety Tips for Traveling To-and-From School

In addition to accessing resources related specifically to immigration, families and staff can take steps to promote safety within the broader community, such as:

  • Keep your phone charged and accessible.
  • Walk with others whenever possible—create Walk-to-School groups or use a buddy system.
  • Carpool or coordinate travel with trusted friends or neighbors.
  • Set up a neighborhood phone or text tree to quickly share important information.
  • Stick to well-lit, busy streets and avoid shortcuts through alleys or isolated areas.
  • Identify safe places you can go if you feel uncomfortable or threatened, such as the library, churches, fire stations, or police station.

If you do not feel safe walking to and from school, reach out to your school counselor or a trusted adult at ETHS.

Know Your Rights

It's important to understand your rights during any interaction with federal agents or law enforcement. (This information is provided for general awareness and should not be considered legal advice. For specific guidance, please consult an attorney.)

  • You have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer questions, even if presented with a warrant.
  • You are not required to share your birthplace, immigration status, citizenship status, or the status of anyone else.
  • You are not required to consent to a search.
  • You do not need to allow agents into your home unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
  • If stopped on the street, you have the right to ask if you are free to leave.

Resources for Students and Families

Illinois state law provides important protections for immigrant communities, and we encourage students and families to learn more about their rights and available supports. The following resources can provide information and assistance:

Within ETHS, students and families can reach out to counselors, social workers, psychologists, or a member of the administration for assistance. Our staff is here to help connect you with the right resources and ensure you have the support you need.

We know this is an unsettling time for many in our community, and we want to assure you that ETHS remains steadfast in our commitment to the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every student, staff member, and family. The start of the school year should be an exciting time for students to learn, connect, and grow, and we are taking every possible step to ensure that students can focus on these opportunities in a safe and supportive environment.

We will continue to monitor developments closely, work with our community partners, and provide updates as needed. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust as we work together to support our students and our school community.

Sincerely,

Marcus A. Campbell, EdD
Superintendent

Quiana McNeal, EdD, JD
Principal