In the past week since taking office again, President Donald Trump has authorized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to conduct enforcement actions in schools, medical facilities, and places of worship – reversing guidance established in 2011.
On Tuesday, Durham Public Schools issued a statement reassuring students, staff, and families that the district is “committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for every student and family that we serve.”
Among the district’s promises:
· DPS won’t disclose confidential student information to immigration officials except as authorized or required by law. Student records already are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
· DPS won’t discriminate based on immigration status. Under the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court case Plyler vs. Doe, public schools can’t deny undocumented students an education. The statement reads: “Durham Public Schools believes all children are equally deserving of a sound basic education and does not ask families for their immigration status or record that information in student records.”
· DPS remains a safe space for students: “Our mission to embrace, educate, and empower every student to innovate, serve, and lead remains steadfast.”
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Author: Wes Platt
Lead storyteller. Game designer and journalist. Recovering Floridian. Email: southpointaccessnews@gmail.com.
