With President Donald Trump signing a series of executive orders which fundamentally disrupt federal law regarding immigration enforcement, Lincoln Public Schools has offered a message to parents who are feeling uncertain about their family’s future.
“We understand there are many factors that can impact your student’s social and emotional wellbeing. Some of those influencers can happen at school, but many times there are situations occurring outside of school or reported in the media that can create stress and/or anxiety for your child – thus impacting their school day,” LPS Interim Superintendent Dr. John Skretta said in an official letter sent to all parents Friday.
A summary of the recent executive orders issued by President Trump regarding immigration can be found here.
LPS policy regarding immigration status of students and families:
Lincoln Public Schools does not collect or maintain information about citizenship or immigration status. Therefore, LPS cannot share this information because we do not collect it. Students’ educational records are also protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
All children in the United States have an equal right to enroll and participate in public elementary and secondary schools without regard to their or their parents’ or guardians’ immigration status.
Regarding law enforcement coming to schools
Skretta says many of the processes and protocols that apply in the event of an immigration enforcement action are not new and haven’t changed, even with the recent announcement from President Trump that removed schools from the sensitive zone designation.
In the event that immigration officers were to arrive at a school site, Skretta says Lincoln Public Schools will fully comply with anything specifically required by law. LPS will also endeavor to prevent undue interference with District operations or educational programs, which includes maintaining a safe and uninterrupted learning environment for all students.
Any contacts or questions by law enforcement will be handled by an administrator. Any immigration officer who arrives at a school would be asked to provide written documentation verifying authority for their visit along with the specific purpose for their arrival at school.
In the event of raids in a community
LPS already has processes for responding in the event that a community crisis were to occur that would result in parents being separated from their children. Processes include LPS working with community groups and agencies to identify families who are impacted. Skretta says LPS will ensure every child has a safe place to go home to and support for their physical and emotional well-being following such an event.
“I am proud to be a part of a school district and a community where each of us values one another. Thank you for coming together, embracing our students and our staff, and helping us build a stronger community,” Skretta concluded his letter.
He also offered different at-school and community resources for parents, students, and community members.
At School
If your child needs extra support, contact your child’s school so LPS can connect them with a staff member. This includes counselors, social workers, psychologists, bilingual liaisons, and student advocates (Youth Development Team).
From the Community
You can also utilize any of these community resources:
- Safe2Help Nebraska at 833-980-7233
- CenterPointe Helpline: (Lincoln): 402-475-6695
- Nebraska Family Helpline: 1-888-866-8660
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 9-8-8 or 1-800-273-8255
- Your Life Your Voice (Boys Town): 1-800-448-3000 or text VOICE to 20121 (text charges from your phone carrier may apply)
“We acknowledge that recent headlines may have an impact on our staff, students and families, and we need to be sensitive to the stress, uncertainty and anxiety some are experiencing. Every single day – but most especially in times of change and uncertainty – our children need reassurance and stability, and school is and must be a stable environment for them,” Skretta said in his letter.