Dear Beach Park Families,
During these seemingly uncertain times, I wanted to reassure you that the District is steadfastly committed to protecting the right of every student to attend our schools, regardless of immigration status. We are also committed to ensuring Beach Park remains a safe place for all students, and our focus remains on providing a quality learning environment and experience for ALL of our students.
Our staff has been fielding many questions this week about our processes regarding possible interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agents at school. While ICE’s "sensitive locations” policy may have been rescinded, the District is dedicated to ensuring students’ rights are protected. To that end, please know that:
The educational records of your children are confidential under Federal and State law, and generally cannot be disclosed to authorities absent a court order.
The District does not require or ask for our students’ or their families’ immigration status. In general, federal and State law prohibit school districts from requesting or collecting records related to a student or family’s citizenship or immigration status.
The District will not be coordinating efforts with ICE, nor will it be assisting ICE in the enforcement of federal civil immigration law.
The District will not grant ICE agents entry onto or into its buildings, unless they can produce and are executing a criminal warrant signed by a judge. Even when there is a criminal warrant, students have a right to an attorney before talking to ICE and are protected by their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
School administrators have been trained on students’ rights and the appropriate protocols in the event ICE agents arrive at a building. They are to refer the issue directly to me and I will immediately consult with the District’s attorney.
If you would like more information about support resources for individuals who are immigrants, please visit the Immigrant Justice website and/or the National Immigrant Justice Center website. Information regarding topics, such as safety plans, may be found there.
I know this is a very sensitive topic for many people within our learning community but please know the District will continue to follow all laws protecting our children and their right to attend public school.
In Partnership,
Dr. Denise Wilcox
Superintendent
Communication: English / Spanish