Dear BVSD Parents, Guardians and Staff,
Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) recognizes there is uncertainty and fear among some members of the community regarding federal immigration policy. The highest priority for BVSD is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for each student and their families. BVSD is also committed to provide high-quality education for all students, regardless of gender, religion, immigration status, ethnicity, income, sexual orientation or their family’s national origin. Our district celebrates and values the rich diversity in our community. To this end, the information below provides answers to questions regarding immigration status and reaffirms our commitment to maintain learning environments free of discrimination and harassment.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bruce K. Messinger
Superintendent
Dr. Bruce K. Messinger
Superintendent
Your Questions Answered:
(Adapted from FAQ released by Denver Public Schools on November 14, 2016)
Q: What impact does undocumented immigration status have on my child’s education?
A: None! Children have a constitutional right to have equal access to education regardless of their immigration status or their parents’ status. That right cannot be taken away by the president or the state or federal legislatures.
A: None! Children have a constitutional right to have equal access to education regardless of their immigration status or their parents’ status. That right cannot be taken away by the president or the state or federal legislatures.
Q: Does Boulder Valley School District ask for a child’s immigration status when he or she enrolls?
A: No. Public school districts like BVSD have an obligation to enroll students regardless of their immigration status and without discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.
A: No. Public school districts like BVSD have an obligation to enroll students regardless of their immigration status and without discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.
Q: Would the school district ever share our students’ immigration status with the federal immigration officials?
A: As mentioned above, we do not ask for students’ citizenship or immigration status when they enroll. However, if we became aware of a student’s lack of immigration status, we would not share that information with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
A: As mentioned above, we do not ask for students’ citizenship or immigration status when they enroll. However, if we became aware of a student’s lack of immigration status, we would not share that information with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Q: Do we know whether there will be any immigration enforcement actions on school grounds?
A: As of today, we believe that the federal government is still following guidance that designates schools as sensitive locations where immigration enforcement actions should not happen. In the unlikely event that federal officials arrive at a campus, they will be instructed to wait in a specific area and not be given access to students, family members or staff until the request is processed through BVSD’s Legal Counsel, to ensure that applicable policies and laws are followed.
A: As of today, we believe that the federal government is still following guidance that designates schools as sensitive locations where immigration enforcement actions should not happen. In the unlikely event that federal officials arrive at a campus, they will be instructed to wait in a specific area and not be given access to students, family members or staff until the request is processed through BVSD’s Legal Counsel, to ensure that applicable policies and laws are followed.
Q: If I am a parent or guardian and I am worried about being detained while my child is at school, what should I do?
A: Please take this opportunity to update your emergency contact information for your students. You can turn in the Emergency Contact Update Form (English, Spanish) to your school. Please consider creating a family preparedness plan. The following checklist (English, Spanish) and Boulder County resources document (English, Spanish) may be helpful.
A: Please take this opportunity to update your emergency contact information for your students. You can turn in the Emergency Contact Update Form (English, Spanish) to your school. Please consider creating a family preparedness plan. The following checklist (English, Spanish) and Boulder County resources document (English, Spanish) may be helpful.
Q: What does Boulder Valley School District do to ensure that no student or family is discriminated against or harassed because of their race, ethnicity, religion or national origin?
A: BVSD believes deeply in ensuring equity – it is one of our core values. We have policies in place that mandate no discrimination or harassment for our students, families or employees on the base of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin and many other protected classes.
A: BVSD believes deeply in ensuring equity – it is one of our core values. We have policies in place that mandate no discrimination or harassment for our students, families or employees on the base of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin and many other protected classes.
Q: What should I do if I feel like I have been the victim of discrimination or harassment?
A: Please report the behavior immediately to a supervisor, school leader or to the superintendent. Complaints and concerns can be filed using the forms and procedures in Board Policy AC-R (English, Spanish). We take these complaints very seriously in order to assure that our schools continue to be safe spaces.
A: Please report the behavior immediately to a supervisor, school leader or to the superintendent. Complaints and concerns can be filed using the forms and procedures in Board Policy AC-R (English, Spanish). We take these complaints very seriously in order to assure that our schools continue to be safe spaces.
Q: What about if I am a DACA recipient?
A: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is based on an order by the president. The new president could choose to rescind that order. If you are a recipient of DACA, consider reaching out to an immigration attorney now in order to determine if you have access to a better form of immigration status.
A: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is based on an order by the president. The new president could choose to rescind that order. If you are a recipient of DACA, consider reaching out to an immigration attorney now in order to determine if you have access to a better form of immigration status.
Q: What should I do if I want to understand my immigration rights?
A: Only immigration attorneys can provide you with accurate advice about immigration status and how you can pursue any legal rights you might have. For your own protection, please do not seek the advice of notarios or others who are not licensed immigration attorneys. Here is a list (English, Spanish) of low-cost or free legal resources. You can seek an immigration attorney from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (English, Spanish).
A: Only immigration attorneys can provide you with accurate advice about immigration status and how you can pursue any legal rights you might have. For your own protection, please do not seek the advice of notarios or others who are not licensed immigration attorneys. Here is a list (English, Spanish) of low-cost or free legal resources. You can seek an immigration attorney from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (English, Spanish).
If you have a question that is not answered here, please reach out to communications@bvsd.org. We will work to provide an answer and will continue to update this document with answers to your questions.
