Does a Sarasota School Board resolution penalize employees for interfering with ICE?

The Sarasota County School Board passed a resolution with a 3-2 vote that threatens disciplinary action against employees who interfere with any law enforcement agency, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Jan. 20 resolution, sponsored by School Board Member Bridget Ziegler, states that any district employee or volunteer who interferes with the “lawful actions” of ICE could face termination or a referral for a criminal investigation if warranted. The resolution does not mention a penalty for students, however, as stated in a Sarasota Herald-Tribune letter to the editor.

Though the resolution is largely symbolic and doesn’t change district policy on ICE operations, its penalties for district personnel is notable given the public tension caused by ICE’s presence. Roughly 300 protesters gathered outside the board meeting, which included five hours of public comment from people who mostly condemned the resolution.