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District

Immigration-related concerns

Posted Date: 1/24/25 (1:30 AM)
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Dear families,

We have received several questions and concerns related to immigration-related topics from staff and families. We shared initial information last Thursday including family resources, but given recent federal government actions and media stories, the concerns and questions have understandably increased.

This morning we received further guidance from OSPI which reminds Washington state school districts about their legal obligations and practices around student education.

PUBLIC SCHOOL STAFF DO:

  • Enroll and provide services to all students, regardless of immigration or citizenship status
  • Collect only data and records required for enrollment purposes
  • Be aware that schools have no legal authority to enforce U.S. immigration laws
  • Follow policies and procedures that align with state laws for responding to immigration enforcement actions impacting a school campus (see resources below for details)
PUBLIC SCHOOL STAFF DON’T:
  • Deny admission or continuing enrollment to a student based on the student’s citizenship status
  • Require or create an impression that birth certificates or social security numbers are required for enrollment or continuing enrollment
  • Engage in any practices to "chill" the right of access to school
  • Require students or parent(s)/guardian(s) to disclose or document their immigration status
  • Make inquiries of students or parent(s)/guardian(s) that may expose their undocumented status
  • Require social security numbers from all students, as this may expose undocumented status
It might help reassure families that any person desiring to communicate with a student, enter school grounds, or conduct an arrest must first produce a valid court order or judicial warrant. The principal will forward the request to the district superintendent and/or legal counsel who shall review the court order or judicial warrant for signature by a judge and validity. Additionally, schools do not permit access to information, records, or areas beyond that specified in the court order, judicial warrant, or other legal requirement.

One school reported that a few families received a voice message saying there would be “ICE raids” at their children’s school. This is untrue and likely meant to cause fear. Schools are one of the safest places for students and we will continue to serve all students. We will inform families if we have any reason to believe that might change.

RESOURCES: