Two Pulaski County school districts issued statements today addressing concerns about immigration, a day after the Pulaski County Special School District put out a similar statement.
Yesterday, the Pulaski County district tried to quell immigration fears. Today, the North Little Rock and Jacksonville North Pulaski school districts jumped into the fray.
The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District has released a letter to families regarding immigration expressing its commitment to the “privacy and security” of students. The district notes it will “uphold every child’s right to a public education, regardless of immigration status.”
The district’s statement highlights three policies regarding school visits from immigration authorities:
● Our staff has been informed that if immigration authorities visit a school, they
must immediately direct them to the Superintendent’s office;
● The District office will consult with our district attorney and respond to the request
accordingly; and
● Unauthorized visitors will not be permitted beyond the primary school office or
granted access to our scholars or their information unless a court order or
warrant is presented or there are exigent circumstances.
From JNPSD:
The JNPSD serves 4,451 students across seven schools in Jacksonville and Pulaski County.
Last week, President Donald Trump did away with federal policies that prevented ICE agents from arresting migrants in sensitive areas, like churches and schools.
This afternoon, NLRSD issued a statement in both English and Spanish, saying the district would continue to educate its students without regard to immigration status. The district said student information, including the immigration status of the students’ family members, would not be shared with anyone. The district said it would “honor and abide by all federal and state laws.”
The district called its buildings “safe spaces for students and families” and urged families to continue “business as usual” by attending school programs and events.
“Please do not retreat from activities out of concern for immigration and deportation concerns,” the statement said.
