Dear ICSD Community,
As you may be aware, a recent Executive Order has introduced changes to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration enforcement policies. We recognize the heightened anxiety this has caused in our community.
The Ithaca City School District (ICSD) remains steadfast in our commitment to educating all students while cultivating a culture of love and joy. The safety, inclusion, and well-being of our students is paramount and we will continue working to ensure that our buildings remain safe, supportive spaces for all.
Our leadership team, in consultation with legal counsel, has carefully reviewed the Executive Order, and are working directly with building leaders and staff to provide guidance. The U.S. Constitution guarantees all children, including undocumented students, the right to attend public schools, and every child–regardless of immigration status–is welcome in our schools.
Additionally:
Families are not required to provide their immigration status in order to attend ICSD schools.
The Ithaca City School District will never initiate contact with federal immigration authorities regarding student information.
We remain fully committed to protecting student records and privacy in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
If officers arrive at an ICSD campus, the Superintendent’s Office is notified immediately. We will review each case with our general counsel. Administrators have been instructed on the appropriate procedures to follow in such situations and will continue to work with staff to provide guidance during this sensitive time.
Social workers and school counselors are available in all of our schools to support any student who may feel stressed or fearful due to these policy changes.
For additional information and community resources, please see the links below:
We will navigate recent changes and ongoing challenges in ways that have always made our community so special.
Sincerely,
Luvelle Brown, Ed.D.
Superintendent
This information was also emailed to all families and students. If you did not receive the email, please contact icsdcommunications@icsd.k12.ny.us to ensure we have the correct email address on file for you.