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WCSD principals on immigration: Court order needed to share info with law enforcement

Principals in Washoe County School District are sending families a form letter addressing concerns about immigration and deportation rules. President Donald Trump in January authorized Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to arrest undocumented people in what were traditionally off-limits locations, including schools and churches. According to the the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute, 9,000 children in Nevada under the age of 18 are undocumented. The district hasn't directly addressed what happens if ICE were to come to a school. The email sent to families over the weekend and on Monday said, "WCSD does not release or share student information with anyone, including federal or local law enforcement unless there is an emergency or a court order for the information." The district also told the Reno Gazette Journal that only people designated on forms filled out by parents can pick children up from school. There have been no reports of immigration officials at Washoe schools. The president of the Washoe Education Association, Calen Evans, said last week that teachers have heard about parents being deported. Students are scared, and some have missed school amid fears of immigration raids, Evans told the RGJ. Message from Washoe County School District on student protections Dear (insert school name) families: I understand that the recent guidance regarding immigration has raised questions for some in our community. Our district is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all students, regardless of their background or immigration status, feel welcome, supported, and valued. Every child has the right to a high-quality education in an environment where they feel a sense of belonging and security. WCSD and (insert school name) remain committed to ensuring that all students have access to a public education without fear of discrimination or intimidation. This is also in accordance with the United States and Nevada Constitution, and state and federal laws. Following federal and student privacy laws, WCSD does not release or share student information with anyone, including federal or local law enforcement unless there is an emergency or a court order for the information. The third goal of the district's Strategic Plan is 'Safety and Belonging' of our students and is of the utmost importance to WCSD and (insert school name). In alignment with our district's Strategic Plan and all state and federal laws, the District has adopted legal procedures and processes to protect all students to ensure we meet our goal of 'Safety and Belonging'. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at (insert school number). Sincerely, (Insert Principal's name) Message in Spanish Estimadas familias de (la escuela) (Insert school name): Entiendo que la última guía en materia de inmigración ha planteado preguntas para algunos en nuestra comunidad. El compromiso de nuestro distrito es crear un ambiente seguro e inclusivo donde todos los estudiantes, independientemente de su entorno / situación o estado inmigratorio, se sientan acogidos, apoyados y valorados. Cada estudiante tiene el derecho a una educación de alta calidad en un entorno donde encuentren un sentimiento de pertenencia y seguridad. El Distrito Escolar del Condado de Washoe (WCSD) y la (insert school name) continúan comprometidos en garantizar que todos los estudiantes tengan acceso a una educación pública sin temor de sufrir discriminación o intimidación. Esto también es conforme con las constituciones de los Estados Unidos y del estado de Nevada, así como con las leyes estatales y federales. En cumplimiento con las leyes federales sobre la privacidad de los estudiantes, el WCSD no divulga o comparte información del estudiante con nadie, incluidos los agentes del orden público federal o local, a menos que ocurra una emergencia o se presente una orden judicial solicitando la información. La tercera meta del Plan Estratégico del distrito es la 'Seguridad y Pertenencia' de nuestros estudiantes, lo que es de suma importancia para el WCSD y la (insert school name). De conformidad con nuestro Plan Estratégico del distrito y todas las leyes estatales y federales, el Distrito ha adoptado procedimientos y procesos jurídicos para proteger a todos los estudiantes y asegurarnos de cumplir con nuestra meta de 'Seguridad y Pertenencia'. Si tienen alguna duda o inquietud, por favor no duden en contactarme al número de teléfono (insert school number). Atentamente, (Insert name), director(a)