With the recent reelection of U.S. President Donald Trump, new executive orders and laws have been signed. One currently in action is the immigration executive order that deports immigrants who are not a legal citizen of the country from the United States.
Although this executive order has not yet directly impacted Kennedy High School, schools in other states such as Oklahoma have rules regarding illegal immigration. This has left many parents wondering if it is safe to send their children to school.
It states in chapter 10 of the School Administration and Instructional Serves book for Oklahoma public schools that, “In order to assess statewide and local educational needs a parent or a legal guardian of a child, or an emancipated minor, shall provide proof of United States (“U.S.”) citizenship at the time of enrollment.”
With this rule in place, if a child is unable to show legal citizenship in the United States, it is put on record. The school districts are allowed to keep records of all illegal immigrants in their district and are required to provide law enforcement with the record if asked to do so.
Teachers and staff at Kennedy have recently received emails from the district regarding what to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) does arrive.
“All students deserve access to a free and appropriate education in a safe and secure learning environment,” Christine Gibson, Director of Student Services, said. “No students can be denied an education, based on Supreme Court law. We will do all we can to provide a safe space for our CRCSD students while following our district policies and the federal laws.”
In this email, a document was linked that went further into detail about the protocols to follow if such a situation does occur.
“Various concerns have been raised about increased enforcement of federal immigration laws,” the guidance document said. “This update to building administrators provides guidance on how to respond should you receive calls and/or visits from law enforcement.”
Within the document, it states that if a parent or guardian chooses not to share information regarding their child’s immigration status, ICE would need a subpoena to access any more information than what was given.
The document states, “Student records that are not directory information have greater protection against disclosure. If there is a request for student records other than directory information, law enforcement must have a subpoena to obtain it.”
The document also provides information on what to do if there is a request to speak to a student. Policy 603.5 states, “Students may not be interviewed during the school day by persons other than parents, District officials (including contracted service providers), and employees.”
The document gives protocol on what to do if a CRCSD student arrives home to find no one there. In this situation, a staff member should immediately look for an emergency contact for the student. If the emergency contact is not available, staff is supposed to contact the Iowa Department of Human Services by calling (800) 362-2178.
In another email shared with parents and families, the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) informed parents of the rules and regulations in place to keep all students safe and engaged in the school despite the recent laws. Parents and children knowing their rights is the best way to ensure students are safe.
While there are many concerns in the district, the main focus of the CRCSD is to keep all students safe. Providing a secure learning environment is always their top priority.
“In response, the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) is restating its commitment to a Safe and Secure Learning Environment,” a CRCSD representative said in the email. “There is no higher priority. Our vision is “Every Learner. Future Ready.” That means everyone [is] equipped, empowered and engaged to excel.”
