Denver Public Schools
Sensitive Location Revocation
Recently, the guidelines that prevented Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from carrying out immigration enforcement in “sensitive locations” such as schools, hospitals, and churches were rescinded. We have received questions about how this change might affect the procedure provided to schools on how to handle interactions with government officials. It is important to note that the rescission was anticipated, and the guidance was developed with this in mind. At this time, no adjustments or changes are necessary.
The DPS Office of General Counsel will continue to monitor the evolving legal landscape and will update policies and procedures as needed.
Reminder of Current DPS Policies and Procedures
Over the course of the last few weeks, DPS staff members across the district have received training grounded in the existing DPS policies listed below.
Based upon current DPS Administrative Policy KI, to ensure that no unauthorized persons enter buildings with wrongful intent, all school visitors shall report to the school office when entering and receive authorization before visiting elsewhere in the building. No individual should be permitted to enter the building without ascertaining whether the individual has a legitimate business or educational purpose.
Per DPS Administrative Policy JIH (Student Interviews, Interrogations, Searches and Arrest), federal immigration law enforcement activities would not be permitted at our schools, on transportation routes, on DPS property or during school activities without a valid search warrant or exigent circumstances.
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we are required to limit who has access to student documents. In addition, DPS does not collect the immigration status of our families in alignment with DPS Administrative Policy JRA/JRC-R.
Although staff are expected to operate in accordance with these policies, staff will not physically impede, interfere with or obstruct a government official in performing their duties.
DPS will continue to follow the law and provide an education to all students regardless of their immigration status. We will also continue to protect the personal information of all of our students and staff and will not share it unless required by law. Additionally, the district will cooperate with local law enforcement to the extent required by law in regard to federal demands and policing.
Resources
A toolkit with immigration resources for families is available in English and Spanish, and contains information and resources about rights, current DPS policies, training, mental health support, DPS resources and community partner resources. The Safe and Welcoming webpage also contains information from the toolkits such as current DPS policies, resources and an FAQ. DPS will continue to work with city agencies and community organizations to provide additional resources via the toolkits and webpage.
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