I was really happy the other day to find this online educator's guide regarding immigrant and refugee children. With the recent executive actions and anti-immigrant rhetoric coming out of the White House, it's important that teachers and school support staff be aware of what their rights are concerning their immigrant and refugee students.
For example, did you know that ICE is prohibited from conducting raids in the following locations?
- schools (including preschools, primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities, and other institutions of learning, such as vocational and trade schools);
- hospitals;
- churches, synagogues, mosques and other institutions of worship, such as buildings rented for the purpose of religious services;
- funerals, weddings and other public religious ceremonies; and
- public demonstrations, such as a march, rally or parade.
There is also a federal law - the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) - that prevents schools from sharing student information without parental consent to federal immigration agents if the information would potentially expose a student’s immigration status. Even if they have a removal warrant/deportation order, the school is still at liberty to refuse to share student information.
The guide shares facts about undocumented students, answers frequently asked questions about immigration raids, gives ideas and tips on what you can do to support these students and their families. It also gives advice on how to take action outside of the classroom.
You can download the guide at the Teaching Tolerance website. The download includes tear-and-share resources for students and their families.