Since 1982, there has been a ruling from the Supreme Court that guarantees equal access to education for all students. In Plyler v. Doe, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that schools must provide free public education to all students regardless of their immigration status and regardless of the citizenship status of the students’ parents or guardians. We will continue to abide by this ruling because it represents our values as a district.
We understand that the current climate surrounding immigration can be complex and may raise concerns for some families. We want to assure you that:
- BN98 does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any student based on their immigration status or national origin.
- BN98 does not and will not collect information on your immigration status.
- If you entrusted us with information on your immigration status, we can not share it. FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) legally prevents us from doing so.
- Bn98 will continue to provide support and resources to immigrant students and their families as needed.
- All immigration enforcement personnel, including local authorities and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), are required to have a criminal warrant signed by a judge before accessing any Berwyn North District 98 facility.
We believe that providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students and their families is not only the right thing to do, but also a fundamental human rights issue. All children deserve the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of their background.
We are here to support you and your children. Please don’t be afraid to contact us if you need assistance.
Dr. Michelle Smith, Superintendent & Berwyn North District 98 School Board