In light of an expected mass deportation of undocumented immigrants by the incoming administration, many school districts are examining their policies and protocols. School districts are also stepping up efforts to help ensure that staff and the public are aware of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s policy designating schools as a “protected area.,” which means that DHS, which includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), should refrain from conducting enforcement actions “to the fullest extent possible.” Protected areas also include places where children gather, such as playgrounds, recreation centers, childcare centers and school bus stops, according to the policy.
Some schools are also making sure that their internal and external publics are made aware of the June 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe, a landmark decision holding that states cannot constitutionally deny students a free public education on account of their immigration status.
Such steps are being taken to help ensure clarity regarding how undocumented immigrant children are to be treated should issues arise.
Source: K-12 Dive, click here.