FAQs Concerning Students In Public Schools
Updated January 2025
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We have been hearing concerns from our community about the possible impact of immigration regulations. To help address these concerns, we are providing the information below. Our priority is to ensure our schools are welcoming spaces where all students can feel secure while they are in our care and in pursuit of their education, regardless of a student's race, ethnicity, religion or immigration status.
Q: May an undocumented immigrant attend school at SAISD?
A: Yes. Public school districts like SAISD are obligated to enroll students regardless of their immigration status and without discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin.
Q: Do SAISD schools ask for information regarding a child’s immigration status when he or she enrolls?
A: No, SAISD does not collect or retain information about the immigration status of students or their family members.
Q: Would SAISD share a student’s immigration status with federal immigration officials?
A: No, we do not collect this information nor share it. Other identifiable student data would only be shared if we have written parent consent or if a valid subpoena for the information was presented. In such case, federal law requires that we make a reasonable effort to notify the parent in advance of complying with a subpoena so you would know that we intended to comply beforehand, unless a court orders SAISD to refrain from such disclosure.
Q. What would SAISD do if it received a request from federal immigration agents to enter a school for the purpose of speaking to a particular student?
A. SAISD administrators would follow SAISD policy on questioning of students by law enforcement or other lawful authorities found in GRA (LOCAL). These guidelines include verification and documentation of the interviewer and parental notification efforts. Click here to view policy GRA (LOCAL). Additionally, until more unanswered questions are resolved on a national level, SAISD officials have been authorized to seek legal advice on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the district complies with all applicable laws and policies while simultaneously taking into account the legal rights of the student and those of the student’s parents or guardians. Our policy is to release students to a guardian or emergency contact.
Q: What happens if I’m not able to pick up my child?
A: The campus will reach out to all emergency contacts. It is important to keep this information up to date so that the campus does not encounter nonworking telephone numbers or no emergency contact information. The district will exhaust all efforts to locate a guardian or emergency contact. If this is unable to happen within a reasonable time, the district is required to contact Child Protective Services.
Q. Would SAISD coordinate raids with immigration officials?
A. No, school districts have no legal obligation to enforce immigration laws.
Q: Is there a virtual school my child can attend?
A: SAISD does not offer a virtual option but other entities offer online learning or homeschooling groups.
Q: What are the consequences of not sending my child to school?
A: Students are considered truant if they miss 10 or more school days with unexcused absences within a six-month period. Students are also considered truant if they miss three or more school days with unexcused absences within a four-week period. Truant students may be referred to juvenile court. Outreach is provided to families to determine the cause of chronically absent students and to provide families with support. For examples of excused and unexcused absences or more information about the compulsory attendance law and the 90% rule, visit the district’s Attendance page.
Q: What does SAISD do to ensure that no student is discriminated against or harassed?
A: The district has policies in place that prohibit discrimination, including harassment of SAISD students or employees on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, culture, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, appearance, immigration/citizenship status, home language, socioeconomic status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Q: What should I do if I want to better understand my immigration rights?
A: Only licensed immigration attorneys can provide you with accurate advice about immigration status and how you can pursue your legal rights. Please visit https://saisdcares.net for resources.
Additional FAQ for SAISD employees:
Q: How would the district handle a situation where a student is in crisis due to a parent or guardian being deported or incarcerated?
A: A school administrator or counselor should first verify by contacting the parent, guardian or other family members listed on the student’s emergency contact information. If administration is unable to make contact and the student is left on campus, a campus administrator would contact the SAISD Police Department to attempt to locate a family member. If police cannot locate a family member or individuals listed as an emergency contact, then they would contact Child Protective Services. The campus counselor would provide counseling during this time.
Q: Can a school distribute materials to students from an outside organization?
A: Per district policy GKDA Local, school distribution of non-school literature must first be submitted to the Superintendent’s designee – Family and Community Engagement – for review prior to be permitted on campus.
Q: What is the policy for an outside organization requesting use of district facilities?
A: Requests need to be submitted through the Facilitron request form.
Q: Are SAISD employees allowed to participate in political activities regarding national events?
A: SAISD employees may participate in political activities on their own time.
Q: Can teachers include current events as part of a lesson plan?
A: Teachers may discuss current events in their social studies, government or sociology classes, looking at how political activities unfold and the differing viewpoints that exist. It’s important for teachers not to take a position, and to guide an open discussion. Understanding that students, families, and staff may hold different political viewpoints, teachers will ensure that all lessons are aligned to state standards, that lesson plans are approved in advance, and that classroom environments are safe and respectful. All discussions need to have respect for differing opinions. For more information, see Administrative Regulation E-16.