Glastonbury Democrats
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We are proud of our many accomplishments which contribute to our strong, healthy, and resilient community
Dear Friends,
The GDTC welcomes all members of our community to join us as we work together to build the best future for all Glastonbury residents. We are proud of our elected officials who carefully consider the many challenges that face our community and collaborate to provide the most cost effective, responsible solutions. Under Democratic leadership, our town is recognized as a leader in excellent education, land preservation, recreational opportunities, environmentally friendly practices, public safety, and is recognized as an age-friendly community. Our residents enjoy beautiful farms, orchards and riverfront activities, a variety of housing opportunities, as well as outstanding restaurants and shopping. We seek to ensure that Glastonbury’s rich and diverse history is celebrated and incorporated into our plans for the future of our growing community.
The GDTC meets monthly to learn from each other, discuss issues, support our elected officials and encourage local Democrats to be or become involved in our government
Most importantly we encourage all questions and views while always maintaining a respectful, inclusive environment that fosters acceptance, friendship and a commitment to supporting the unique needs and interests of every individual.
We thank our members, our supporters and everyone who plays a role in the success of our party and our town. There are many challenges ahead as our country is divided and threatened but we can face them together. We want to hear from you.
Susan Karp and Julie Thompson, Chairs, Glastonbury Democratic Town Committee
LATEST NEWS
Open Letter from Board of Education Democrats
With the transition to this new federal administration, there has been increased federal opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion. While the downstream implications of these decisions through state and local government, as well as public and private institutions is unclear, the Glastonbury Board of Education Democrats remain steadfast in our values:
Diversity: We value diverse perspectives, diverse experiences, understand that our uniqueness makes us strong, and that we have much to learn from each other.
Equity: We support equitable practices to ensure all students have the support and resources tailored to meet their specific needs and to position them to succeed in school and beyond.
Inclusion: We are committed to ensuring our schools are a safe place for all students, teachers, and staff to be themselves and to feel seen and respected.
Our collective hope is that federal opposition to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion will have no impact on the way our local schools operate, as these values are deeply ingrained in the way Glastonbury has always approached education. As community leaders, we will do our part to ensure these values persist.
Doug Foyle, Alison Couture, Dave Peniston, Matt Saunig and Julie Thompson
Statements from Glastonbury Schools
Reaffirming Our Commitments to
Our Students and Staff
To Our School Community,
Federal Executive Orders related to public schools are raising questions and concerns across our school community. This is true of the recent order titled Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling (January 29, 2025).
The order directs the removal of federal funding from public schools that advance gender and discriminatory equity “ideologies” and programs.
What We Know and Don’t Know
We know the U.S. Department of Education will likely issue guidance to clarify how this order will be carried out in schools. However, we do not yet know how compliance will be monitored, what penalties might exist for perceived violations, or whether this will result in new federal or state laws, regulations, policies, or funding conditions. Because executive orders are subject to legal challenges, there may be delays or changes to how the order is put into action. We will be following this closely.
Our Commitment Remains
We will continue to honor and respect the perspectives, cultures, and identities of every member of our school community.
Please be assured that we are committed to the goals of the Glastonbury Public Schools Strategic Plan, in particular, Goal 2: Provide safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments. We stand by our Board of Education non-discrimination policy which is aligned with current Connecticut law.
The words and actions of our faculty and staff will continue to demonstrate this commitment daily.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership,
Alan B. Bookman, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Subject: Information about Immigration Action in School
Dear Families,
We have received questions about how we would respond if agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) visited our schools. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently ended the policy that limited enforcement actions in or around schools.
Supreme Court Ruling
It’s important to know that in 1982 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that undocumented students who reside in a school district are entitled to attend school there. In other words, Glastonbury Public Schools must educate all children who live in Glastonbury, regardless of their immigration status. We welcome, value, and support all of our students.
School Procedures
Although we do not expect ICE or other government agents to visit our schools, we are prepared if it happens. ICE agents cannot enter non-public areas of an organization without consent or a valid judicial warrant signed by a federal judge, absent urgent circumstances (such as a public safety threat). Our school buildings are, in fact, not open to the public while students are in school.
Based on advice from our legal counsel, were an ICE agent to request entry to a school building, the school leader would:
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Verify the agent’s identity and credentials
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Confirm the agent has a valid warrant
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Notify the student’s parents and the central office
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Cooperate, copy documents, and keep a detailed record of the visit
Record Privacy
Additionally, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of students’ education records. We cannot share student information, including attendance, without written consent from a parent or guardian, unless legally required (e.g., by a court order, subpoena, health/safety emergency).
We are committed to following the law and protecting the rights of all students and families. If you have questions about our procedures, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Alan B. Bookman, PhD.
Superintendent of Schools
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