Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice says:
Given recent changes to federal immigration enforcement policies, I am aware that there are questions about what they mean for our schools.
While we expect school visits from immigration officials to remain rare, I want to ensure our extended community is informed about what these changes mean. Our legal counsel has provided us with the latest information. Here it is:
Our district’s top priority remains providing quality education in a safe, supportive environment for every child – regardless of immigration status.
As we continue to monitor these evolving circumstances, we can share the following information:
- Your child has the right to attend public school in the district where they reside, regardless of immigration status, as guaranteed by the United States Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe (1982).
- Public schools must also:
- Provide language assistance for students who are English learners; and
- Communicate about school programs in languages that parents can understand.
- Although the Department of Homeland Security has recently rescinded the longstanding “protected areas” policy, which discouraged ICE agents from taking enforcement actions at schools, it is still unlikely that ICE agents will visit schools.
- ICE agents cannot enter non-public areas of a school (interpreted as inside the school building by the district) without:
- A valid judicial warrant signed by a federal judge;
- Consent from school officials; or
- An emergency such as an urgent national security or public safety threat.
- Under FERPA, schools cannot release student records to ICE without:
- A court order or subpoena;
- A health or safety emergency; or
- Written consent from the student’s parent or the student (if over 18 years old).
Scarice adds, “Our priority remains providing a safe learning environment for every student. Please reach out with any questions.” His email is tscarice@westportps.org.
