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Welcoming Schools Resolution

This resolution of the State College Area School District's Board of Directors reaffirms the District's commitment to its mission of ensuring every student has opportunities to grow, thrive and fulfill their potential through caring, responsive education. Every employee is entrusted with enacting the mission each and every day for all community members. 

Whereas, members of the District community may face evolving challenges in a climate of fear and stress which runs counter to the District’s mission of providing a safe learning environment for all; and 

Whereas, the Pennsylvania Constitution mandates a thorough and efficient system of public education, and school directors swear to support and defend the constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (24 P.S. 3-321); and

Whereas, it is the right of every child, regardless of immigration status, to access a free public K-12 education (Plyer v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982)) and the District welcomes and supports all students; and 

Whereas, under the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, the federal government cannot require  localities to enforce immigration laws; and

Whereas, in compliance with federal and state law, including 22 Pa.Code 11.11(d), the District may  not inquire into the immigration status of any student; and 

Whereas, the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) lawfully protects the privacy of student records, including preventing the release of student information without consent; 

Whereas, the Board established foundational Policy 100.1 School Climate/Inclusive Excellence in order to ensure every school community member is treated with dignity and can learn and/or work in a safe, respectful and positive school environment; and
Whereas, the District upholds Policy 100.1 and maintains learning and work environments free of discrimination through numerous policies, such as:

Whereas, the District adheres to all policies and provides support services in a responsive and respectful manner to all students and employees, regardless of actual or perceived traits, characteristics and/or backgrounds in order to create an inclusive environment for success.

Therefore, be it resolved that:

  1. The Board of Directors of the State College Area School District affirms the District’s commitment to welcoming environments, and in accordance with its mission, all District spaces – schools, venues and property, and District-provided services shall maintain lawful, respectful, and nondiscriminatory educational environments. Students, families and employees should not experience harassment or discrimination based on actual or perceived country of origin, language, race, cultural or religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, behavioral and/or learning needs, and immigration status.
  2. The District shall establish protocols and train staff to manage lawful requests by law enforcement, including designating school administrators to review such requests with the assistance of counsel, who will make a written legal determination. 
  3. The Superintendent shall designate a District administrator to monitor Pennsylvania Department of Education recommendations and legal or policy changes that are relevant to school climate and develop appropriate response plans.
  4. This resolution shall be posted in school buildings, and communicated to all District employees and families in a manner adaptable for translation into the languages most commonly spoken in homes across the District.
  5. The provisions of this Resolution shall apply to all individuals within the State College Area School District, including, but not limited to, District employees, after-school providers, contractors, consultants, volunteers, vendors, school security staff, School Resource Officers, and service providers. The Superintendent shall ensure all appropriate individuals and entities are notified of their requirement to abide by this Resolution. 

Adopted this 20th day of April 2026.

State College Area School District 
Board of School Directors

Dr. Aaron Miller, Board President

Lynn Tressler, Board Secretary