Duval County Schools Address ICE Rumors

News Summary

In response to rumors regarding ICE agents visiting local schools, Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) has clarified that there are currently no verified reports of such activities. The district emphasizes its commitment to student safety and the legal protocols in place regarding ICE inquiries. Additionally, they aim to educate the community on the rights of students to ensure a secure learning environment. Legal protocols for ICE access are in place to protect student privacy and ensure fairness across all students.

Duval County Schools Provide Guidance Amidst ICE Rumors

Hey there, Duval County! There’s been quite a buzz lately about rumors regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents potentially visiting our local schools. With these concerns swirling around, the Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) have stepped up to clarify the situation and provide some guidance for school staff.

What’s Going On?

First off, let’s set the record straight. As of now, none of the reports regarding ICE activities in our schools have been verified. The rumors may be causing jitters among parents and students alike, but fear not! DCPS has reassured the community that they are committed to creating a safe and secure learning environment for everyone.

Guidance for School Staff

The Office of General Counsel has shared important information with school staff amidst these concerns. Here’s what we learned: ICE agents are allowed to access public areas of schools without needing a warrant or anyone’s permission. That means if you see agents on campus, it should be treated similarly to the presence of local law enforcement, like the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO).

In the event that ICE requests to speak with a specific student, principals are instructed to follow the same procedures they would when approached by JSO. A vital point to note is that if ICE wants to interview a large group of students—think English Language Learners (ELL) or English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)—district officials need to get in touch with the legal team first before anything can proceed.

Protecting Student Privacy

Another key point is that student records are protected by law. So, if ICE comes knocking asking for access to any student records, those requests must also go through the legal department. It’s all about ensuring that students’ rights are kept in the forefront.

Principals have also been advised not to provide any directory information that only pertains to ELL or ESOL students if that information is requested. Instead, if information is shared, it must include all students who have not opted out of public directory listings. It’s an important step to ensure fairness and privacy for every student in our district.

Community Response

Commitment to Safe Learning Environments

The Clay County School District has also made it clear that they are dedicated to providing a safe learning environment and adhering to both state and federal visitor protocols. They join DCPS in stressing the importance of cooperating with law enforcement while ensuring that the rights of students are respected at all times.

What’s Next?

At this moment, it’s reassuring to know that there are no confirmed reports of ICE activities happening in our Duval County schools. As always, it’s best to keep informed, stay connected, and not let rumors drive our worries. The school district has pledged to keep the community updated, so if anything changes, you’ll be the first to know!

Let’s continue to support each other and make sure our schools remain safe and welcoming places for every student. Stay tuned for more updates and always remember, knowledge is your best ally!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• News4Jax: Duval County Schools Guidance on ICE Agents
• First Coast News: Talking to Kids About ICE
• Tallahassee: Immigrant Enforcement in Florida
• Jacksonville.com: Schools Closing Due to Winter Storm
• Arkansas Leader: NAACP Statement on ICE Raids
• Wikipedia: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• Google Search: ICE Agents in Schools
• Google Scholar: Student Rights with ICE
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Law
• Google News: ICE in Schools