Jan. 24, 2025

Dear Team DPS,

This week has brought uncertainty for many students, families and staff in our community. Emotions are high and each day we are receiving new information on decisions and actions the new administration is taking. It is critical that we come together to support each other and provide space to process Executive Orders and changes to Federal Policies, and what they mean for our district community.

Executive Orders and Federal Policy Changes: Potential Impacts to DPS

Ongoing protections for LGBTQ+ staff and students

While the “Defending Women” Executive Order asserts the Trump Administration’s position that, “As the policy of the United States,” only ‘two sexes’ will be recognized,” DPS remains committed to following all applicable state and federal laws, which remain in place, providing ongoing recognition of and protection from harassment and discrimination on the basis of LGBTQ+ status. This one-pager does not cover every applicable law, but highlights key state laws.

Sensitive Location Revocation

Recently, the guidelines that prevented Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from carrying out immigration enforcement in “sensitive locations” such as schools, hospitals, and churches were rescinded. We have received questions about how this change might affect the procedure provided to schools on how to handle interactions with government officials. It is important to note that the rescission was anticipated, and the guidance was developed with this in mind. At this time, no adjustments or changes are necessary. 

The DPS Office of General Counsel will continue to monitor the evolving legal landscape and will update policies and procedures as needed.

Reminder of Current DPS Policies and Procedures

Over the course of the last few weeks, DPS staff members across the district have received training grounded in the existing DPS policies listed below.

Based upon current DPS Administrative Policy KI, to ensure that no unauthorized persons enter buildings with wrongful intent, all school visitors shall report to the school office when entering and receive authorization before visiting elsewhere in the building. No individual should be permitted to enter the building without ascertaining whether the individual has a legitimate business or educational purpose.

Per DPS Administrative Policy JIH (Student Interviews, Interrogations, Searches and Arrest), federal immigration law enforcement activities would not be permitted at our schools, on transportation routes, on DPS property or during school activities without a valid search warrant or exigent circumstances.

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we are required to limit who has access to student documents. In addition, DPS does not collect the immigration status of our families in alignment with DPS Administrative Policy JRA/JRC-R.

Although staff are expected to operate in accordance with these policies, staff will not physically impede, interfere with or obstruct a government official in performing their duties.

DPS will continue to follow the law and provide an education to all students regardless of their immigration status. We will also continue to protect the personal information of all of our students and staff and will not share it unless required by law. Additionally, the district will cooperate with local law enforcement to the extent required by law in regards to federal demands and policing.

Resources

A toolkit with immigration resources for families is available in English and Spanish, and contains information and resources about rights, current DPS policies, training, mental health support, DPS resources and community partner resources. The Safe and Welcoming webpage also contains information from the toolkits such as current DPS policies, resources and an FAQ. DPS will continue to work with city agencies and community organizations to provide additional resources via the toolkits and webpage.

The Staff Resource Toolkit was sent last Friday and has since been updated with information about protections for LGBTQ+ students and staff, approved communication channels, information for staff who are currently on visa sponsorship or any other type of work authorization. Access the toolkit to read these updates.

As always, our focus remains on ensuring that our scholars receive the highest-quality education and that schools remain safe, welcoming, inclusive and supportive.

In collaboration,

Dr. Alex Marrero
DPS Superintendent