Safe Haven Resolution
The MPS Safe Haven Resolution designates every Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) site as a "safe haven." We welcome individuals of all ethnicities, religions, cultural backgrounds, immigration statuses, and sexual orientations or identities.
MPS believes in the equitable and fair treatment of all students and families. In this district, we are all valued, and no one is pushed aside.
Our safety team continues to meet and review how we can keep our schools safe and welcoming. All MPS schools now have multilingual posters declaring the schools as safe havens of learning and support.
Information for Schools
Script: What to Say to an ICE Official
“Per our district procedures, please report to the Department of Student Services at 5225 W. Vliet Street. Ask for Matthew Boswell—all such requests must be handled out of that office.”
Student Services Contact Information
Matthew Boswell, Senior Director
Email: boswelmx@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: (414) 475-8027
If unavailable:
Nicole Coleman, Manager III
Email: smithnv@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: (414) 475-8817
Procedures for ICE Interactions
School Staff
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If ICE comes to your school, issue a HOLD, which means students stay in their classrooms and staff lock classroom doors.
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If the agent is at the buzzer, refer to the script above. If the agent has entered the school, refer them to your school leader immediately.
School Administration
If the agent has entered the school:
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Request identification.
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Make copies of ICE’s judicial warrants or documentation.
- Email copies to Student Services (Matthew Boswell and Nicole Coleman).
- Refer the ICE official to Student Services.
These practices are consistent with how the district handles other law enforcement requests.
Senior Director of Student Services
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Contact legal counsel to verify the identity of the official.
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Review/provide legal counsel with documentation.
Confidentiality
MPS does not ask for immigration status of families. According to federal court rulings, no public school has a basis to deny children access to education based on immigration status. MPS staff will not ask about the status of any student or family member—not in conversation, via district email, or through any other district messaging.
MPS staff will NOT disclose any information to ICE officials. This includes:
- Whether a specific student is present—or even enrolled at the school
- A student’s class schedule
- Any family information
All requests for documentation will be directed to the Department of Student Services.
Activism Guidelines for Students and Staff
We recognize the rights of our students to share their opinions and views. While not district- or school-organized or sponsored, students at a number of high schools have led walkouts. MPS students who participate in walkouts are marked absent, monitored while they remain on campus for their safety, and allowed back into the building.
MPS also respects the personal civic engagement of our employees outside the workplace. Employees must remember to not engage in political-related activities during the workday, while supervising students, or while using district time or resources. This includes in-person activity, electronic communications, and the use of district systems.
Resources
MPS does not provide legal advice to students or families, but the following resources may be helpful to undocumented immigrants, immigrants, and refugees living in Milwaukee County. By posting here, MPS is not endorsing any organization but rather making resources available for families to review on their own.
