NYC's Institute for Collaborative Education Ditches "ICE" Due to Association with Immigration Agency
A progressive Manhattan school long known by its acronym, ICE, is rebranding itself as "Ny.ICE" or simply "the Institute for Collaborative Education" in an effort to distance itself from the stigma of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The shift comes as President Donald Trump's second term has marked a surge in immigration enforcement efforts under ICE, resulting in deportations of students and recent graduates. The school's administrators have taken steps to avoid association with the agency, citing concerns about emotional responses among parents and students.
"Moving forward, I will be referring to our school community as Ny.ICE or the Institute for Collaborative Education," wrote Principal Peter Karp in a letter to the school community. "Although we were founded in 1993, I believe that this is an appropriate and respectful response to the current climate in our city and our country."
The change has been gradually implemented since Trump's first term, with parents and students noticing a shift in terminology used by the school. Merchandise and sports uniforms now feature the new moniker, while online materials reference both the old and new names.
Parents say the move prioritizes creating a safe environment for children and families, avoiding any alignment with federal policies that have sparked controversy. "They want their students to feel proud of the school they go to, and it's reflective of the candor and caliber of conversation there," said Alison Riley, a parent of a junior at the school.
The change reflects a broader trend in city public schools as immigration policies have become increasingly polarizing. Some schools have become hubs of resistance, with parents and teachers organizing efforts to protect students from ICE agents and advocating for sanctuary city policies.
While the rebranding effort aims to distance itself from the negative connotations associated with "ICE," some say it's a small step in a larger conversation about creating inclusive environments in public education.
A progressive Manhattan school long known by its acronym, ICE, is rebranding itself as "Ny.ICE" or simply "the Institute for Collaborative Education" in an effort to distance itself from the stigma of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The shift comes as President Donald Trump's second term has marked a surge in immigration enforcement efforts under ICE, resulting in deportations of students and recent graduates. The school's administrators have taken steps to avoid association with the agency, citing concerns about emotional responses among parents and students.
"Moving forward, I will be referring to our school community as Ny.ICE or the Institute for Collaborative Education," wrote Principal Peter Karp in a letter to the school community. "Although we were founded in 1993, I believe that this is an appropriate and respectful response to the current climate in our city and our country."
The change has been gradually implemented since Trump's first term, with parents and students noticing a shift in terminology used by the school. Merchandise and sports uniforms now feature the new moniker, while online materials reference both the old and new names.
Parents say the move prioritizes creating a safe environment for children and families, avoiding any alignment with federal policies that have sparked controversy. "They want their students to feel proud of the school they go to, and it's reflective of the candor and caliber of conversation there," said Alison Riley, a parent of a junior at the school.
The change reflects a broader trend in city public schools as immigration policies have become increasingly polarizing. Some schools have become hubs of resistance, with parents and teachers organizing efforts to protect students from ICE agents and advocating for sanctuary city policies.
While the rebranding effort aims to distance itself from the negative connotations associated with "ICE," some say it's a small step in a larger conversation about creating inclusive environments in public education.