House Democrats ask Trump administration to remind schools that they must educate undocumented children
House Democrats are asking the Trump administration to send a clear message reminding the nation’s public schools that, despite recent changes in federal immigration enforcement policy, they are still legally obligated to educate undocumented children.
The representatives expressed concern that the educational rights of undocumented students may be overlooked as the new administration cracks down on those in the country illegally. The Supreme Court ruled 25 years ago that U.S. public schools must serve all children, regardless of their immigration status.
“In this environment of trepidation, it is important that we do all we can to minimize the impact these policies have on school attendance and student learning,” the top Democrats on the judiciary, education and homeland security committees wrote in a letter Monday.
The lawmakers also sought public assurance that the administration intends to avoid enforcement actions at schools and other “sensitive locations,” as has been the federal government’s stated policy since 2011.
Many school officials have reported a surge of fear among immigrant families since President Trump issued an executive order in January directing federal officials to enforce immigration laws against “all removable immigrants.” That fear only intensified after a father in Los Angeles was detained less than half a mile from a charter school after dropping off his daughter.
Schools nationwide have been working not only to reassure families that students are safe at school, but also to help them make plans for their children’s care in case both parents are House Democrats ask Trump administration to remind schools that they must educate undocumented children - The Washington Post:
