If ICE or other law enforcement officials arrive at your school, it is essential to verify their legal authority before granting access to school grounds or student information.

Although the Trump administration rescinded the “safe zone” policy, schools remain protected under the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches.

Under this protection, ICE must present a judicial warrant signed by a judge to access school grounds or obtain student information.

However,  not all ICE documents meet this standard, so it is critical to carefully review any paperwork they present.

1. Ask to See a Judicial Warrant.

A judicial warrant is a formal written order issued by a state or federal court, such as a “Minnesota State Court” or a “U.S. District Court,” and signed by a judge or magistrate. It authorizes law enforcement officers to make an arrest, a seizure, or a search.

This is different than an “administrative warrant” that ICE or other officers might present as granting them authority on school property or other school-centered locations.

2. Confirm the Validity of All Documents 

Ensure it is a judicial warrant signed by a judge. (This NOT the same as a administrative warrant or ICE form).

• Look for clear indicators:
  • Judge’s signature
  • Date
  • Specific authorization
• Verify specific details in the judicial warrant:
  • The warrant has the correct full name of the student or person in question.
  • The warrant is for the exact location. 
  • The warrant applies specifically to your school grounds and the student named.

3. Document & Clarify 

Be sure to write down the following for reporting purposes:

• Agents’ names
• Badge numbers
• Agency affiliation
• Time, date, and details of the request

4. Decline Administrative Warrants

An “administrative warrant” is a written document issued by a federal agency, such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), that authorizes a law enforcement officer to make an arrest or seizure under the agency’s authority.

Key Limitations of Administrative Warrants:

• Schools are NOT legally required to comply with search or enforcement actions on school grounds based solely on an administrative warrant.
• Access to school property or student information requires a separate judicial warrant signed by a judge.

Responding to Administrative Warrants:

• If presented with an administrative warrant or ICE form (e.g., I-200 or I-205), you have the authority to clarify: “This is not a judicial warrant and does not provide legal authority to access school grounds.”

Schools are safe spaces, and educators have a responsibility to protect students from harm and safeguard their personal information. This includes responding appropriately to potential ICE actions while upholding students’ rights under federal law.

1. Keep Students Safe

• Maintain a Calm Environment:
  Stay calm and reassuring to prevent panic among students and staff.
• Escort Students to Safety if Needed:
  Assign staff to accompany students to a safe space if there is a perceived threat or ICE presence.
• Prevent Direct Interaction with ICE Agents:
  Do not allow ICE agents to approach or remove students from school grounds. Any requests should be referred to the administration or legal counsel.

2. Safeguard Student Information

• Understand Privacy Protections:
  The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits the release of a student’s immigration status, personal records, or identifiable information without proper legal authorization, such as a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
• Ensure Staff Training:
  Train all staff on FERPA protections and their role in safeguarding student information. Include specific guidance on how to respond to ICE inquiries.
• Refer ICE Requests to Legal Counsel:
  If ICE requests student records or information, direct them to the district’s legal counsel or designated point of contact. Do not provide any information directly.

3. Foster Inclusive & Culturally Validating Learning Environments

• Model Respect and Inclusion:
  Train staff to respond to discrimination or bias swiftly and effectively, ensuring all students see that their dignity is upheld and their safety is prioritized.
• Empower Student Voices:
  Provide platforms like forums, leadership opportunities, or advisory groups where immigrant and EL students can share their perspectives, helping them feel valued and heard.
• Celebrate and Incorporate Cultural Contributions:
  Embed students’ cultural and linguistic backgrounds into the curriculum, school events, and classroom activities, highlighting the ways their unique identities are integral in creating a rich and dynamic learning environment for all students.
• Visibly Commit to Safety and Support:
  Develop clear, accessible policies against discrimination and harassment, and communicate them widely to staff, students, and families. Display these commitments in multiple languages throughout the school.

1. Inform School Leadership

• Immediately notify the principal or designated school leader.

2. Follow Your School’s Crisis Response Plan

• Activate Protocols:
  Ensure staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities in managing the situation.
• Coordinate with Legal Counsel:
  Consult the district’s legal team to ensure actions align with students’ rights and federal guidelines.
• Provide Accurate and Accessible Communication:
  Share updates with families that are legally compliant, culturally sensitive, and reassuring. Use multilingual communication channels to reach all families effectively.

3. Designate a Point of Contact:

• Identify a staff member or team to handle inquiries from families and the community, ensuring clear and consistent messaging.

3. Reaffirm Your School’s Commitment

Communicate clearly to students, families, and the community that your school is dedicated to:

• Protecting students’ educational rights.
• Maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for every learner.
• Honoring immigrant and EL students by supporting their needs, celebrating their aspirations, and fostering their success.

Yes, you can record ICE with your phone or other recording devices.

You have the legal right under the First Amendment and the Right to Record act to record ICE agents, federal agents, and local police, as long as where and how you record them does not impede them in their performance duties. 

Some courts have found that the “right to record” could be subject to certain limitations if someone does not comply with an officer or agent’s request to back up so they can do perform their duties, for example.

This means you can and should record them and take photos at a reasonable distance from their activities, and should have a plan in place for what that will look like for staff. 

1. Designate a point person to write down all of the following details if ICE comes to you school:

• Names, badge numbers, and agency of ICE agents.
• Time, date, and location of the incident.
• The first and last name of the person identified in the warrant, and other critical details of the warrant they are presenting.
• Who issued and signed the warrant?
  • Was it signed by an ICE agent and is therefore an administrative warrant?
    • Write down their name and other critical details of the ICE administrative warrant. But do not allow entry without a judicial warrant.
  • Was it a federal or state judge?
    • Write down the judge’s name and the state of federal court who issued the judicial warrant.
• All and any requests made, and all and any details of the documentation presented, included who issued the warrant,
  

2. Designate another person to take photos and write down vehicle information, including make and model of car and license plate numbers. 

This will help ensure all details are documented, and will provide an additional way to inform communities, if necessary. This is especially necessary when there is confusion around who is doing the detainment in certain incidents, as ICE agents often wear vests labeled with “POLICE.”

3. Designate another person to record the incident. 

Recording the incident promotes accountability and transparency, and ensures students and families feel safe within their schools and that their rights and dignity will be upheld and protected by school staff.

Share this information with school leadership and the district’s legal team.

Establish Clear Policies for SROs in Contracts & MOUs

Schools have the authority and responsibility to explicitly define the roles and boundaries of School Resource Officers (SROs) to safeguard student rights, prevent overreach, and ensure protection from ICE enforcement or other disruptions to students’ safety, well-being, and learning.

1. Clearly Define the Role of SROs

Schools and districts must ensure that SROs’ responsibilities are focused on safety, not disciplinary or immigration matters.

• Include Explicit Language: Specify in MOUs that SRO responsibilities are limited to maintaining school safety while upholding students’ human and educational rights.
• Prevent Overreach: Clearly outline the boundaries of SRO involvement to avoid unnecessary disciplinary actions or law enforcement overreach that could harm students.

2. Prohibit ICE Enforcement Activities

Protect students and their families from the harmful impacts of immigration enforcement on school grounds.

• Prohibit Facilitation of ICE Actions: Include language in MOUs explicitly stating that SROs or law enforcement cannot facilitate or participate in ICE enforcement on school grounds unless a judicial warrant, signed by a judge, is presented.
• Train SROs on ICE Authority Limitations:
  • Recognize valid judicial warrants versus administrative warrants (e.g., Forms I-200 or I-205).
  • Refer ICE agents to district legal counsel for all requests.
• Bar Sharing of Student Information: Explicitly prohibit SROs from accessing or sharing student data (e.g., immigration status, addresses, or other personal details) with ICE or law enforcement agencies.
  • Require all information requests to go through designated district administrators or legal counsel.

3. Protect Student Data and Information

Ensure that student privacy is protected by limiting SROs’ access to educational records.

• Restrict Access to Records: Clearly state that SROs cannot access student records, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII), without legal authorization like a judicial warrant or parental consent.
• Emphasize Safety Focus: Clearly define in MOUs that SROs’ primary role is ensuring school safety, not managing or handling educational data.

4. Specify FERPA Exceptions for Safety Emergencies

Disclosures of student information must strictly follow FERPA guidelines, ensuring privacy is maintained except in rare, legally permissible cases.

• Specific, Articulable, and Significant Threat: Information may only be disclosed if there is a clear, immediate, and significant threat to student or public safety.
• Narrow Scope of Disclosure: Limit the information shared to what is necessary to address the emergency.
• Require Documentation: Justify all disclosures in writing, including the nature of the emergency and the parties involved.
• MOU Guidance: Clearly define these FERPA exceptions in MOUs, emphasizing the school’s commitment to protecting student privacy and ensuring compliance with federal laws.

District and school leaders have a responsibility to exceed state training requirements for School Resource Officers (SROs), ensuring they are equipped to create safe, supportive, and equitable environments that uphold the rights and dignity of all students, including immigrant and EL students.

1. Require Training in Key Areas that Support Student Safety & Belonging

To meet the needs of immigrant and EL students, SRO training should be focused on these critical areas:

2. Implement Specialized SRO Training

To ensure these training priorities translate into meaningful outcomes, leaders must implement specialized training programs that are relevant, effective, and tailored to their communities.

• Align with State Policies and Local Needs:
  Use Minnesota’s Model Policy for SRO Training as a starting point, but adapt it to meet the specific needs of your district, school, and community.
• Collaborate with Race Equity and Advocacy Experts:
  Partner with organizations specializing in equity and advocacy to design training that addresses systemic inequities and promotes belonging for all students.
• Incorporate Regular Training Updates:
  Schedule ongoing training sessions to ensure SROs stay updated on new laws, best practices, and evolving community needs.
• Monitor and Evaluate Effectiveness:
  Gather feedback from students, staff, and families to assess the impact of training and make continuous improvements.

Effective accountability and oversight ensure that School Resource Officers (SROs) operate equitably and align with district goals for student safety, belonging, and dignity. Strong monitoring and transparent processes help address concerns and improve practices.

1. Establish a Review Committee or Task Force

• Form a dedicated group to oversee SRO practices and ensure accountability.
• Assign responsibilities such as:
  • Monitoring interactions between SROs and students.
  • Collecting and analyzing data on disciplinary actions and other outcomes.
  • Evaluating compliance with district equity goals, particularly for immigrant and EL students.

2. Regularly Collect and Analyze Data

• Develop clear protocols for tracking SRO activities, including:
  • Disciplinary responses.
  • Interactions with students, especially those from marginalized groups.
• Conduct regular reviews to identify patterns, disparities, or potential harms and address inequities promptly.

3. Provide Transparent Reporting Mechanisms

• Create a clear and accessible process for students and families to report concerns or complaints about SRO practices.
• Ensure the process is:
  • Widely communicated in multiple languages.
  • Easy to use for all community members.

4. Respond to Findings & Improve Practices

• Use data, feedback, and reports to refine SRO policies and practices.
• Address misconduct by:
  • Holding SROs accountable for inappropriate actions.
  • Providing targeted training to correct harmful behaviors or inequities.
• Ensure ongoing adjustments based on findings to continuously align SRO practices with equity and inclusion goals.

1. Train Staff on SRO Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive training for school staff to understand the specific duties, boundaries, and limitations of SROs, ensuring alignment with district policies and student protections.

2. Equip Staff to Advocate for Students’ Rights

• Provide administrators and teachers with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to advocate effectively for students when concerns about SRO behavior arise.

3. Implement Accessible Reporting Mechanisms

• Establish clear, user-friendly processes for staff, students, and families to report instances of SRO overreach or misconduct, ensuring all concerns are addressed systematically.

4. Train Staff to Address SRO Overreach

• Enable staff to recognize and respond to situations where SROs exceed their authority by providing guidance on appropriate intervention strategies and ensuring swift resolution and accountability.

Strong community engagement ensures School Resource Officers (SROs) support student rights, equity, and safety. Collaborative partnerships and accountability measures can address concerns and foster trust.

1. Host Inclusive Stakeholder Forums on SRO Roles

• Engage Stakeholders
  Organize forums with students, families, advocacy groups, and other community members to discuss SRO roles and practices.
• Clarify SRO Roles
  Use these forums to define the purpose of SROs, address concerns, and establish shared goals for safety, belonging, and student rights.
• Focus on Collaboration
  Promote dialogue about how SROs can protect student rights while addressing the needs of immigrant and English Learner (EL) communities.

2. Embed Equity at the Core of SRO Policies and Practices

• Address Systemic Inequities
  Develop policies that counteract biases and disproportionate disciplinary actions, especially those affecting immigrant and EL students.
• Refine Policies Through Engagement
  Revise SRO policies using feedback from stakeholder forums to reduce disparities and promote equity.

3. Set Expectations for Accountability

• Establish Clear Standards
  Collaborate with community members to create policies that hold SROs accountable to legal and ethical standards.
• Enforce Accountability Measures
  Implement oversight mechanisms, such as reporting processes and review committees, to ensure accountability.

4. Promote Transparency

• Make Policies Accessible and Understandable
  Provide families with clear materials on SRO roles, safeguards, and policies in multiple languages and formats.
• Build a Culture of Openness and Accountability
  Create opportunities for ongoing feedback from students, families, and the community, and demonstrate how this feedback shapes improvements in policies.

State Law Helps Protect Students from Bullying

The Safe and Supportive Schools Act strengthens protections against bullying in Minnesota schools. This law provides local school districts with the guidance, support, and flexibility needed to adopt clear and enforceable policies that protect all students from bullying, intimidation, and harassment. Every student deserves to attend a school where they feel safe, valued, and free from harm.

What to Do If Schools Fail to Address Bullying or Comply with the Law

If you are concerned that a school district or school has failed to address bullying, or that a school district or school is not complying with the Safe and Supportive Schools Law, please share your concerns with the School Safety Technical Assistance Center by:

• By Email: MDE.SSTAC@state.mn.us
• By Phone: 651-582-8364
• By Mail:
  School Safety Technical Assistance Center
  Minnesota Department of Education
  400 NE Stinson Blvd
  Minneapolis, MN 55413

(Source: MDE)

1. Calmly stop the behavior or language and explain that it violates school policies.

• Example: “That language is not acceptable here. We respect every student in this space.”

2. Make immediate efforts to resolve the incident, as obligated under the Safe & Supportive Schools Act.

Any employee who witnesses an incident or who possesses reliable information that would lead a reasonable person to believe that bullying has occurred shall:

• Immediately intervene to protect the safety of the student subjected to the incident and other students involved, as appropriate to context.
• Make reasonable efforts to address and resolve the incident, including reporting the incident immediately and seeking a remedial response.
• Cooperate fully in any investigation and resolution of the bullying incident.

Steps for Reporting and Addressing Bullying

1. Notify School Leadership

• If bullying or harmful language is witnessed among staff, notify school leadership, the designated building report taker, or HR immediately.
• File an official incident report that reflects how the incident impacts student safety, dignity, and learning.

Model Student Bullying Prohibition Policy 

Under the Safe and Supportive Schools Model Policy, staff are legally required to intervene immediately to protect students from harm and to report incidents of bullying.

Key Responsibilities of the Building Report Taker

1. Policy Oversight:

• Ensure that the policy, procedures, practices, consequences, and sanctions are fairly and fully implemented.
• Serve as the primary contact for policy and procedural matters. (Minn. Stat. 121A.031, subd. 4(1) (2024))

2. Investigation:

• Conduct investigations or assign a third party designated by the school district to handle the investigation.

3. Support Resources:

• Provide information about available community resources to the target of bullying, the actor, and other affected individuals as appropriate. (Minn. Stat. 121A.031, subd. 4(7) (2024))

4. Restorative Practices:

• Emphasize restorative practices to repair harm caused by bullying incidents and promote healing.

District legal obligations

1. Duty to Act:

• Any person who witnesses, observes, or receives a report of conduct that may constitute bullying or other prohibited behavior must make reasonable efforts to address and resolve the situation.
• This includes informing the building report taker immediately.

2. Accountability for Non-Compliance:

• School personnel who fail to report or address bullying in a timely manner may be subject to disciplinary action.

3. Privacy and Confidentiality:

• Reports of bullying are classified as private educational or personnel data and/or confidential investigative data.
• These reports will not be disclosed except as permitted by law.
• The building report taker, in conjunction with the responsible authority and others involved in the investigation, is responsible for managing and regulating access to bullying reports and investigation records.

Supporting Students Impacted by Bullying: Immediate and Ongoing Steps

1. Check in with the Student Privately

• Provide a safe space for the student to share their experience without fear of judgment or retaliation.
• Reassure the student that the school is committed to addressing the issue and ensuring their safety, dignity, and well-being.

2. Offer Access to Counseling and Support Services

• Connect the student to counseling or mental health services, including trauma-informed resources that address the emotional impact of bullying.
• Provide access to cultural liaisons or interpreters if needed to ensure the student feels understood and supported, particularly for immigrant or EL students.
• Emphasize the availability of school staff trained in restorative practices to help repair harm and rebuild trust.

3. Connect with and Inform the Student’s Family or Caregivers

• Reach out to the student’s family to inform them of the incident and the steps being taken to address it.
• Offer information about additional resources, such as community-based organizations, legal support, or advocacy groups, to help the family navigate the situation.
• Ensure communication is multilingual and culturally responsive to foster trust and understanding.

Grounding in the Safe and Supportive Schools Act

The Safe and Supportive Schools Act requires that schools create environments free from bullying, intimidation, and harassment. This includes:

• Ensuring that interventions center equity and inclusion, addressing the specific needs of marginalized students.
• Providing trauma-informed responses and restorative practices to address harm and foster healing.
• Regularly training staff to recognize and respond to bullying while upholding the rights of all students.

FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is a federal law in the United States designed to protect the privacy of student education records.

It grants certain rights to parents and students regarding access to and control over educational records. FERPA applies to all schools that receive funding under programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA & Immigration Status

FERPA strictly prohibits schools from sharing a student’s immigration status or other sensitive personal information—such as addresses or education records—with outside entities, including law enforcement or federal immigration agencies (e.g., ICE), without proper legal authorization.

• This legal authorization typically must take the form of a judicial subpoena or warrant signed by a state or federal judge.
• Schools are NOT required to comply with requests based on administrative warrants or ICE forms.

This confidentiality protects immigrant students and families, ensuring schools remain safe, supportive spaces for all students.

Steps Schools Should Take Now to Strengthen Directory Information Policies

A directory is a tool for sharing student information in specific contexts, such as yearbooks, awards, or event programs. Schools, however, have the authority to limit what is included to protect students, including immigrant and EL students.

1. Review and Redefine Directory Information Policies

• Limit the scope of directory information to exclude sensitive data such as student name, address, phone number, parent/guardian contact information, nd email.
• Specify that no directory information will be shared with law enforcement, including ICE, or third-party vendors without explicit consent or legal obligation.

2. Strengthen Opt-Out Processes 

• Notify families annually of their right to opt out of directory information sharing, and provide clear instructions for opting out.
• Ensure notices are accessible in multiple languages to reach all families, especially immigrant and EL students.
• Simplify the opt-out process by offering paper and online forms, making it easy for families to take action.

3. Restrict Disclosures

• Adopt a limited disclosure policy, specifying approved purposes for directory information use (e.g., yearbooks or school honors).
• Bar disclosures to law enforcement, including ICE, or commercial third parties unless legally mandated.

4. Provide Staff Training

• Train staff to understand the new directory information restrictions and how to handle requests.
• Emphasize that no information, including directory data, should be shared without verifying the purpose and recipient.

5. Enhance Transparency and Engagement

• Proactively communicate your district’s commitment to protecting student privacy through newsletters, websites, and family outreach events.
• Host information sessions for parents in multiple languages to explain directory information policies and their rights.

6. Audit and Monitor Practices

• Implement a system to track all disclosures of directory information, including to whom the data was shared and for what purpose.
• Regularly review compliance with FERPA and internal policies to prevent unauthorized disclosures.

1. Ensure FERPA and Best Practices Training

• Ensure all staff members with access to student records are familiar with FERPA regulations and the importance of protecting student privacy.
• Content Should Include:
  • FERPA’s legal requirements and key provisions.
  • Best practices for handling, storing, and sharing student information.
  • Prohibited activities, such as sharing information without proper consent or legal authority.

2. Facilitate Incident Response Training

• Equip staff to identify and respond to data breaches or unauthorized access attempts effectively.
• Key Topics to Cover:
  • Recognizing potential breaches, such as phishing attempts or unauthorized information requests.
  • Reporting and escalation protocols for suspected incidents.
  • Immediate actions to safeguard affected data and notify appropriate authorities.

3. Provide Clear Scripts for Handling Unauthorized Requests

• Empower staff to confidently decline inappropriate or unauthorized requests for student information, including from ICE officials.
• • Sample Scripts:
    • “I’m sorry, but I cannot share that information. You may contact our district’s legal counsel for further assistance.”
    • “FERPA regulations prevent me from providing that information. Let me refer you to our privacy officer for any follow-up.”
    • “Our school policy prohibits sharing student data without explicit consent or a court order. I’m happy to connect you with our administration office for more details.”

1. Review Data Collection Practices

• Inventory All Collected Data:
  Identify what types of information are collected, stored, and processed by the school or district, including personal details, family information, and immigration status.
• Assess Necessity:
  Evaluate whether each data point is essential for educational purposes. Avoid collecting unnecessary information, particularly regarding immigration status or related sensitive details.

2. Conduct a Comprehensive Data Audit

• Catalog Data Systems:
  Identify all systems, databases, and platforms where student data is stored, including student information systems, cloud platforms, and physical records.
• Identify Sensitive Information:
  Flag any records containing sensitive information, such as Social Security Numbers, immigration status, or family background details, that are not legally required for educational purposes.
• Check for Compliance:
  Ensure all data practices comply with FERPA and state-specific privacy laws. Remove or anonymize information that is not compliant or necessary.

3. Implement Data Minimization Strategies

• Restrict Data Collection:
  Limit the data schools collect to only what is absolutely necessary for enrollment, attendance, or academic purposes.
• Avoid Sensitive Questions:
  Refrain from asking for immigration status, parent/guardian legal status, or Social Security Numbers unless legally mandated.

4. Secure Data Storage and Access

• Control Access to Sensitive Data:
  Ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive student records. Implement role-based permissions to prevent unnecessary exposure.
• Encrypt Data:
  Use encryption to protect sensitive information in both storage and transmission.
• Regularly Update Security Protocols:
  Ensure cybersecurity measures are up to date, including software patches, secure passwords, and multi-factor authentication.

1. Clearly Communicate FERPA and Privacy Plans

• Share the School’s FERPA Policy:
  Provide families with a plain-language summary of FERPA protections, explaining how the school safeguards student data and under what circumstances information may or may not be shared.
• Outline ICE-Response Protocols: Include information about how the school handles requests from immigration authorities, emphasizing that schools prioritize student privacy and legal protections.
• Publicize Privacy Safeguards:
  Ensure families know about the processes in place for accessing, reviewing, or correcting student records, as allowed under FERPA.

2. Provide Practical Tools for Families

• Know-Your-Rights Resources:
  Provide multilingual guides that outline what families should do if immigration authorities request information from them or the school.
• Emergency Contact and Guardianship Plans:
  Distribute templates or resources to help families prepare for potential disruptions, such as deportation or detainment.
• Personal Information Guides:
  Offer practical advice to families on minimizing the sharing of sensitive information outside trusted entities.

3. Host Interactive How-To Sessions

Provide safe, supportive, and multilingual information sessions with where families can:

• Learn how to complete guardianship forms.
• Review sample ICE-related scenarios and practice responding.
• Ask questions about FERPA and privacy protections in a safe, supportive environment.

• Develop a Crisis Response Plan:
  Create clear procedures for school staff to follow when a student or family is affected by deportation actions. Ensure protocols prioritize the safety and well-being of the student.
• Assign a Point Person:
  Designate a staff member, such as a school counselor, administrator, and/or cultural liaison to coordinate support for affected students and serve as a facilitator for their families.
• Coordinate with Community Resources:
  Partner with local organizations to provide legal assistance, housing support, and access to basic needs for families experiencing deportation-related disruptions.

1. Inform Families About School Policies

Communicate proactively with families to build trust, provide reassurance, and offer clear guidance on the school’s role in protecting student rights and privacy.

Clearly Explain Privacy Protections:

• Outline how the school protects student information under FERPA and other privacy laws.
• Reassure families by sharing specific policies that establish schools as safe zones and prioritize student rights.

2. Host Know-Your-Rights Workshops

Partner with local advocacy groups to empower families with knowledge about their legal rights and how to respond to ICE encounters.

Provide Direct Resources to Families:

• Legal Aid: Assistance with immigration paperwork, asylum cases, or deportation proceedings.
• Counseling Services: Support for trauma related to deportation threats or family separation.
• Community Resources: Referrals to housing, food security programs, or language-accessible services.

Suggested Resources:

• National Immigration Law Center (NILC): Resources for schools and families navigating immigration concerns.
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): Guides for immigrant rights and advocacy.

3. Provide Families with Emergency Planning Tools

Help families prepare for potential disruptions by offering practical resources and assistance.

Share Critical Planning Tools:

• Provide guardianship forms, emergency contact templates, and checklists for family preparedness.
  • Immigrant Legal Resource Center:  Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan
  • AFT Resource: Emergency Plans & Tools for Families  
• Ensure they are in multiple languages, that plans are shared with school officials, and that all plans and documents are protected under FERPA.

Offer Assistance:

• Provide support to families in completing these documents, ensuring they are prepared in case of emergencies.

• Enhance Trauma-Informed Counseling Supports:
  Ensure counselors are trained to support students dealing with the stress and trauma of family separation or deportation threats.
• Maintain Academic Continuity:
  Develop flexible academic plans to accommodate students dealing with emotional or logistical disruptions, such as missing school or relocating.
• Create Safe Spaces:
  Establish safe, supportive spaces within schools where students can express their concerns and access resources without fear of judgment or stigma.

Fostering Culturally Validating Learning Spaces

An inclusive and supportive school environment uplifts the humanity, dignity, and strengths of immigrant and EL earners while fostering belonging, equity, and supportive and respectful relationships among students and staff

Creating spaces where immigrant and EL students feel their cultural and linguistic identities are recognized, respected, and celebrated is essential for promoting community, equity, and belonging.

1. Honor Cultural and Linguistic Assets in Everyday Learning:

• Embed students’ cultural backgrounds, histories, and languages into classroom instruction, curriculum design, and teaching practices.
• Use instructional materials and examples that reflect and affirm the lived experiences of immigrant and EL students.

2. Affirm Student Identities Through Culturally Validating Activities:

• Design activities that connect students’ cultural and linguistic heritage to their academic learning, such as oral history projects, multilingual writing assignments, or community-driven storytelling.
• Celebrate cultural milestones and heritage in ways that connect to broader learning goals, ensuring these events are meaningful and inclusive.

3. Promote Student-Led Cultural Expression:

• Support student-led initiatives that allow immigrant and EL students to share their cultural knowledge with peers, such as heritage clubs, language ambassador programs, or student panels.
• Encourage multilingual presentations, performances, and artistic expressions as part of everyday school life, not just during designated events.

4. Collaborate with Families and Communities:

• Partner with families and cultural leaders to co-create learning spaces that reflect community values and traditions.
• Invite community members to contribute to classroom lessons or schoolwide events, ensuring authentic representation.

Advocate for Policies That Build Better Schools and Enhance Outcomes for Immigrant and EL Students

Supporting policies that address the unique needs of immigrant and EL students is essential for creating schools where all learners can thrive. Advocacy efforts can help foster safe, inclusive, and equitable environments that uphold student rights, empower educators, and build stronger school communities.

1. Advocate for Safe School Environments

• Establish Schools as Safe Zones: Support policies that designate schools as safe spaces, free from immigration enforcement activities, ensuring that all students can learn without fear.
• Protect Student Privacy: Ensure adherence to privacy laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), to prevent unauthorized sharing of student information with external agencies.

2. Promote Equitable Access to Resources for Immigrant & EL Students

• Increase Funding for EL Programs: Advocate for enhanced funding to support EL students, addressing the historical underfunding that has limited educational opportunities.
• Expand Support Services: Push for policies that provide comprehensive services, including bilingual supports, counseling, and mental health resources, to meet the diverse needs of immigrant and EL students.
• Invest in Technology Access: Advocate for policies that provide EL students and their families with access to digital tools and resources, bridging technology gaps that impact academic success.

3. Protect Students’ Rights

• Safeguard Against Discrimination: Advocate for policies that protect students from discrimination based on immigration status or language proficiency, promoting equity and inclusion.
• Support Legal Protections: Work towards legislation that upholds the rights of immigrant and EL students, ensuring they have equal access to educational opportunities.
• Address Language Access Gaps: Advocate for policies requiring schools to offer translated materials, interpretation services, and multilingual family engagement strategies to protect and include EL students and their families.