20-02-2025
Jeffco schools strengthen immigration policy to ‘minimize disruptions,' ‘protect students rights'
DENVER (KDVR) — Via email Wednesday, the Jefferson County Public Schools Board of Education shared details about a recent resolution strengthening district policy on how staff should react to the presence of immigration enforcement officers.
The board's president, Mary Parker, said the resolution reaffirms the board's 'commitment to providing a secure and welcoming environment for all students and their families.'
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Parker said the resolution strengthens the district's policies to protect children learning there, regardless of their immigration status or background.
'The Board recognizes that students learn best when they feel safe and supported, and this commitment ensures that Jeffco remains a place where every student belongs,' Parker wrote.
The email missive highlighted protecting the rights of all students, regardless of race, national origin, gender identity or 'any other factor;' safeguarding students' private information; and preventing hate speech, discrimination or harassment in the district's schools, offices or other facilities.
The email said the district will continue providing up-to-date immigration-related resources in multiple languages to families, and encouraged Jeffco families to update emergency contact information in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
The district has policies in place if immigration enforcement agents visit a Jefferson County school, saying it will 'protect students' rights and minimize disruptions to learning.'
'School leaders will contact Jeffco Legal Services, who will verify the identity and authority of the officials and guide the school through the proper procedures to ensure students remain safe and learning continues without interruption,' the school district's email said.
The district also noted that student information is federally protected, and any requests for student records will be reviewed by the legal services team before any action is taken. The district said legal services would be tasked with verifying the federal agents' identity and agency affiliation, in addition to lawful warrants.
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'Once those are verified, they will guide the school leader and district support administrator through any next steps which may include following secure entry procedures, escorting the officer to a private area away from students and classrooms to limit learning disruption,' the resolution states.
The district said it would post the resolution on every school site and in the primary languages spoken in each community. The district also has a webpage dedicated to frequently asked immigration questions surrounding school-based learning.
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