Recent reports about immigration enforcement and deportations across the nation have been an understandable cause for concern for many families and students in our community. Dr. Ian Roberts, superintendent at Des Moines Public Schools, shared the following letter about how schools and the district will work to be supportive.
Dear DMPS Parents:
Over the past week, many people have been understandably concerned about reports of immigration enforcement around the country, including the impact it may have on schools. At this point in time, there has been no immigration-related action involving Des Moines Public Schools.
Everyday Des Moines Public Schools does everything we can within our legal and moral authority to support students, which is always our top priority. I want to share some of the ways we are prepared if a student does face immigration action, and what a school and the school district can and cannot do in such a situation:
- As a school district, DMPS must comply with the law. A very important aspect of that is respecting the rights afforded to our students and families under state and federal laws. It also means being responsive whenever we are presented with a proper subpoena or warrant. We work closely with our attorneys whenever such legal questions arise.
- Protocols were provided to our schools for their teachers and staff to continue to be supportive of students and families. This includes referring families to community organizations that might be able to assist with specific needs, something we do on behalf of students and families every school day on a wide range of issues.
- Those protocols also note that teachers and staff are not to provide legal advice or assistance at any time but rather refer families to organizations such as Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice that can help people get connected with appropriate assistance on immigration issues.
- Schools are also reminding families to make sure that their emergency contact information is up to date for the safety and well-being of their child in any situation.
As a reminder, students’ privacy is protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), ensuring their personal information cannot be disclosed without appropriate consent. As a district, we will continue to monitor developments in federal policy and assess how changes may impact our students and families.
Like school districts across the state and nation, DMPS is navigating a time that is concerning for many students and families, and we will continue to do all that we can to treat everyone with compassion and dignity.
Sincerely,
