School districts across North Texas are letting parents know how they plan to respond to the president's executive order on immigration. President Donald Trump signed the order allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement to make arrests at schools, churches, and hospitals.
All school districts said they did not ask for a student's immigration status at enrollment nor do they keep records. Federal law requires schools to serve students regardless of immigration status.
"We are here to educate all students for success. Not some. We take them all. We embrace them all," Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde wrote in a statement. "We are the Statue of Liberty, and we are proud to take them all."
The family preparedness plan suggests updating a child's emergency card, designating a "trusted adult who can care for your child if you cannot," and keeping documents like birth certificates and social security cards in a safe place for kids to have access to.
Fort Worth ISD sent parents a list of common questions and answers including how the district safeguards students' information and urging parents to talk to their principal or counselor if a child is worried about going to school.
"At Fort Worth ISD, we are deeply committed to fostering schools where every student feels accepted, valued, and supported, regardless of their background or immigration status," Interim Superintendent Karen Molinar wrote in the letter. "We recognize that recent national changes in immigration policies may have left some families in our community feeling uncertain or concerned. Please rest assured that Fort Worth ISD remains steadfast in its mission to provide schools that are safe, inviting, and respectful for all."
Arlington ISD said it is watching how changes in federal policy could affect the district. The district says it is also talking with local and state agencies "to advocate for the needs of our community to ensure that every child has access to a safe, stable, and supportive learning environment."
Arlington ISD has posted a list of resources available for all immigrant families including refugees, adult services, and English as a second language classes.
Mansfield ISD sent a letter to parents saying school administrators have been "reminded" of procedures for dealing with law enforcement
"Rest assured that Mansfield ISD will continue to provide a caring, supportive learning environment for all our students. We value the trust you place in us every day, and we are thankful for the opportunity to educate your children, ensuring they are college, career and life ready," the district wrote in the letter.
Irving ISD also sent a letter to parents saying it has "no authority or role to collect or maintain information about the immigration status of any student or their family members."
"While the district complies with state and federal laws, we also have an obligation to serve ALL students entrusted to our care, regardless of immigration status. In fact, adherence to the law further compels Irving ISD to protect and educate all students enrolled in our district to the fullest extent of the law. Our schools, facilities, and school-sponsored activities are a safe place for our students," the district wrote.
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