Supporting our Immigrant Families and Students
- FAQs -
Does immigration status affect whether students can enroll in U.S. Public Schools?
∙ No. Every child has a constitutional right to a free public education, regardless of his/her immigration status or parent’s immigration status.
Can schools ask about a student’s immigration status during enrollment?
∙ No. Public school districts have an obligation to enroll students regardless of their immigration status and without discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.
We do not ask for, nor do we want to know, a student’s or family member’s immigration status.
∙ Kittitas School District does not keep any immigration information.
Can immigration enforcement take place in schools?
Yes. Prior federal policies restricting federal immigration enforcement from taking place at “sensitive locations,” including schools, have been rescinded. However, Washington State law RCW 10.93.160 continues to prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies, and specifically school resource officers, from enforcing civil federal immigration law. School resource officers, when acting in their official capacity as a school resource officer, will not inquire into or collect information about an individual's immigration or citizenship status, or place of birth, or provide information pursuant to notification requests from federal immigration authorities for the purposes of civil immigration enforcement, except as required by law. See RCW 10.93.160(3).
What student information can the district release?
∙ Student information is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Student medical information is protected under The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Student records are also protected under District Policy 3231 Student Records. We do not release any student information without the signed consent of a parent.
∙ The only records the district does release are defined as Directory Information. This is information typically found in school publications, newspapers, newsletters and sports programs.
∙ We are required to release the name, address and telephone listing of current 11th and 12th grade students to military recruiters upon request, unless parents have advised the district not to.
∙ If compelled by a court order or subpoena, we have to release the records requested by that judge or court.
What is the district’s relationship with law enforcement?
∙ Board Policy 4310 Relations with the Law Enforcement and Other Government Agencies outlines our relationship with law enforcement and specifies the process and procedure for these agencies to make contact with a student during the school day. These polices do not allow local police, CPS or federal agencies to enter a school building and interview students without permission and without making parent contact nor are they allowed to take custody of a student without notifying a building administrator.
∙ In some rare cases, local police may have an arrest warrant; in this case, we may not interfere with local law enforcement executing a legal warrant.
What is the district’s bullying and harassment policy?
∙ Kittitas School District does not tolerate bullying, harassment or intimidation of any kind. District Policy 3207 Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying clearly outlines and defines the prohibited behaviors and reporting requirements. This standard encompasses the entire school community, including all students, school employees, school board members, contractors, unpaid volunteers, families, patrons, and/or visitors. “Harassment, intimidation or bullying means any intentionally written message or image-including those that are electronically transmitted, verbal, or physical acts, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability or other distinguishing characteristics.” It is our responsibility to ensure each of our students feels safe at school. If you see something, be it name-calling, signs or physically intimidating you have an obligation to report it.
What is the district’s Interrogations of Students on School Premises policy?
-While the district encourages interviews and interrogations of students to take place off school premises in order to minimize interruption to the instructional program, 3226P Procedure and Interrogations of Students on School Premises outlines the protocols for when an onsite interview/interrogation is warranted by the circumstances of the case.
Community Resources
Here, you’ll find links to local organizations, advocacy groups, and essential information to help navigate challenges, access support, and stay informed. Whether you’re looking for guidance on immigration, educational rights, or community assistance, these resources are here to help.
We will continue to update this page with new resources to ensure you have the support you need. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community.
Community Support
Student Rights in Washington State