The following information was also emailed to all parents, guardians, and caregivers. If you did not receive the email, please check with your school to make sure we have the correct email on file for you.
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Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Re: Guidance on Interactions with ICE and Support for All Students
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Dear Schenectady City School District Parents, Guardians, Caregivers, and Community,
Regarding the most recent changes at the federal level regarding immigration and customs enforcement, as we strive to ensure our schools remain safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces for all students, we as a district want to reassure you all on a few items.
As we move forward, we will not authorize any actions towards our students without validly issued judicial warrants and legal counsel for verification and validation of any and all documents.We as a district have clear guidance regarding how we address interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. These protocols reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting the well-being and rights of every student and their family.
Below, please find our situational responses to any potential ICE requests that may arise:
If ICE Requests for Information or Access
Direct Requests to the Superintendent: Any requests from ICE officials to access school information, grounds, or interact with students, families, staff, or contractors must be directed to the Office of the Superintendent.
Approval Requirement: No ICE official should be granted access without prior consultation with, and approval by, the Superintendent, who will work closely with legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
Centralized Oversight (District Leadership): This protocol applies to all school personnel, ensuring that no ICE-related interactions occur without centralized oversight.
Proper Warrants:
Whether a warrant authorizes a non-local law enforcement officer, including an ICE officer, to take a specific action, such as conducting a search or arrest, depends on the scope of the warrant and whether it was issued by a judge or was administratively issued.
The school district, consistent with the rule of law, must honor valid judicial warrants. However, it is difficult for an untrained person to determine whether a warrant has been validly issued by a judge. Thus, it is vitally important to obtain a copy of the warrant and contact the Superintendent’s Office before allowing any access pursuant to a warrant.
If a non-local law enforcement officer, including an ICE officer, presents a warrant of any type, provide the warrant to the Superintendent’s Office and await further instructions. (Source: NYC DOE)
Additional Resources
To support the implementation of these protocols, we have created a list of resources for your reference:
Response to ICE Raids
“10 Strategies for How Schools Should Respond to Help Children Impacted by ICE Raids” – You can also download the Infographic in English and Spanish. (Source: Intercultural Development Research Association, August 2019)
As the Threat of ICE Raids Increases, Schools Can Take Steps to Put Students at Ease – This article outlines steps schools can take, the rights of undocumented students, and SEL practices schools can implement to assist undocumented students. (Source: Naaz Modan, August 8, 2019, Education Dive)
“Guidelines for Identifying Humanitarian Concerns among Administrative Arrestees When Conducting Worksite Enforcement Operations” (Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, cited in U.S. News & World Report)
For Families and Our Community
Neighbor’s Link: This organization has updated its website with information to help families navigate ICE-related concerns. Visit their website here. Neighbors Link
We know this is an unnerving time in our community and across the country. We remain committed to serving all of our students, their beliefs, rights and provide necessary support.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Superintendent’s office with any questions or for further clarification. Together, we can ensure that our schools remain welcoming havens where all students can learn, grow, and thrive.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we serve our students, families and greater community.
Thank you,
Superintendent of Schools
Phone: 518-370-8100, Option 5
Attached are printable documents with this information: English Spanish Arabic