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Supports for Immigrant Students and Families

Due to recent changes in federal immigration policies and practices, the Council Bluffs Community School District is providing this information about the measures in place within our schools.

The Council Bluffs Community School District supports all students and families as outlined in our non-discrimination statement, which includes national origin. Schools are required to: 

  • Ensure fair and non-discriminatory treatment, without regard to the immigration status of either the student or their parents; 
  • Protect the privacy of students and families; and 
  • Protect the constitutional rights of all students

Please Make Sure Contact Information is Accurate and Complete
One step parents and guardians with students in our schools can take is to please make sure any new emergency contact information is updated in PowerSchool so that school personnel can communicate directly with you. This can be done by contacting your child’s school office. They can verify the following:

  • Personal contact information (phone numbers and email addresses)
  • Emergency contact information
  • Approved individuals who can pick up your child from school.

Our School District Safeguards:

  • The law guarantees all students receive free public education, regardless of their immigration status.
  • The Council Bluffs Community School District does not collect or maintain any information about students’ immigration status.
  • Requests from immigration officials to access information or communicate with a student will be immediately referred to a school district official. We will work closely with legal counsel to ensure compliance with the law while safeguarding students’ privacy and rights.
  • Any law enforcement action involving our schools must comply with proper legal authority.
  • Administrators are aware of the policies and processes in place to protect our students.
  • While following the law, we will prioritize protecting students’ constitutional and legal rights. We will not share student information or grant law enforcement building access unless legally required to do so.
     

In Iowa, immigrant families are entitled to several fundamental rights within the educational system:

  1. Right to Public Education: All children, irrespective of their immigration status, have the right to enroll in public K-12 schools. This is upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Plyler v. Doe, which prohibits schools from denying education based on a child’s immigration status.
    American Federation of Teachers
  2. Protection Against Discrimination: The Iowa Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in educational settings on the basis of race, color, national origin, or ancestry. Schools must provide equal opportunities and cannot treat students differently due to their immigration status.
    USCIS Guide
  3. Privacy of Student Information: Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), schools are required to protect the confidentiality of student records, including information regarding immigration status. Schools cannot disclose such information without parental consent or unless required by law.
    American Federation of Teachers
  4. Safe Learning Environment: Schools are considered sensitive locations, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has policies that generally restrict enforcement actions at schools. This policy aims to ensure that students can attend school without fear of immigration enforcement actions on campus.
    American Federation of Teachers
  5. Language Assistance Services: Schools are obligated to provide language support services to students who are English Language Learners (ELL), ensuring they have meaningful access to the curriculum. This includes offering programs and resources to help students overcome language barriers.
    USCIS Guide

 

Resources

Please access more information included in the Frequently Asked Questions document.