The following statement is from School Board chair Teree Caldwell-Johnson and Superintendent Tom Ahart in response to today’s announcement that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program would be rescinded:

Earlier today, President Trump and his Administration announced plans to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Such a decision can only be described as cruel towards children and young people who, through no fault of their own, call the United States their home and are abiding by our laws, getting an education, or working in a job.

Children and young people who register under DACA are rightfully called ‘Dreamers,’ as they are doing what is right in order to pursue the dream of freedom, of a better life, of a good education, of the things which made America a destination for so many people before them.

As we said earlier this year, Des Moines Public Schools welcomes immigrants and refugees as our students and families, as our friends and neighbors. Every student at Des Moines Public Schools, no matter where they were born, should know they belong here and our school district stands by them. We will continue to say that and believe that each and every day.

For those of us who dedicate our lives to public education, concerns about immigration are second to our focus on the health and well being of children, no matter where they are from. Our work is to create opportunities for every student, whether they were born here in Des Moines or one of a hundred different nations, to help them realize their dreams.

We want to see every student – including our Dreamers – learn and succeed in school; have fun and make friends and find their passions; earn their diploma; grow into the people they dream of becoming.

When children in Des Moines show up at our schools – no matter their place of birth or religion or language or skin color – they should know that they belong here and we stand by them. Our government should do the same.

NOTE: On February 7, 2017 the Des Moines School Board approved a resolution voicing support of DACA and urging Congress to approve the BRIDGE Act to allow people who are eligible for or who have received work authorization and temporary relief from deportation through DACA to continue living in the U.S. with permission from the government.