Surrey School District puts field trips to U.S. on pause due to border safety concerns
The Surrey School District is putting a pause on field trips to the U.S., given current security tensions and safety concerns at the border.
In an emailed statement, Surrey superintendent Mark Pearmain said that schools in the city have been sent the advisory, given that the district is “home to a diverse staff and student population and their safety and well-being is our top priority.”
He added that Surrey Schools is following updated travel guidance from the Government of Canada.
Last week, Ottawa added a stern warning about entry and exit requirements for Canadians travelling south.
“Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders, and the Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements for the United States,” reads the advisory.
It emphasized that individual U.S. border agents have “significant discretion” in determining if you meet entry or exit requirements and says Canadians should expect scrutiny at ports of entry, which could include searching electronic devices.
“Comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities. If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation,” reads the advisory.
Pearmain noted that principals have been requested to cancel any new trips planned to the U.S., cancel any that have been unpaid, and review trips that are current or upcoming.
“The district is supporting school staff, students and families to help navigate any new travel advice,” he stated.
“We encourage staff to seek travel opportunities for students both locally and across Canada, until we can expand our travel and learning experiences to include the United States.”
Daily Hive has reached out to other school districts in Metro Vancouver regarding their field trip policies to the U.S. and will update this story when we hear back.
With files from Isabelle Docto