Dear Beach Park Families,
We are reaching out today in response to recent reports about increased federal immigration officials in our region, including the possible use of Great Lakes Naval Station as a coordination site. We understand that this news may cause uncertainty or concern for some families and stakeholders in our community.
Our priority is to reassure you that our schools remain safe and welcoming for every student and to connect families with trusted resources. One of the most important resources we want to provide is through, Know Your Rights, which provides guidance and support on navigating immigration related challenges.
We want to remind families of the importance of keeping contact information up to date with their schools administrative assistants. Accurate emergency contacts ensure that the District can communicate quickly and effectively with you about important updates. Our students' safety and well-being remain a number one priority of our District.
Beach Park District 3 remains committed to protecting every student and ensuring they have a safe, calm, and supportive environment to learn in each day. We do not collect information about a student’s immigration status, and student records are protected by law. Federal agents cannot access students without a valid federal warrant, signed by a judge. Our staff are trained to follow the proper legal protocols established by our District should any situation arise.
The following bullet points will highlight our District established protocols. While ICE’s "sensitive locations” policy may have been rescinded, the District is dedicated to ensuring students’ rights are protected.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: https://bit.ly/4gaJQQ0 // Spanish: https://bit.ly/3HXZBxb