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SKPS Position on Immigration Action in Schools

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Today we are sharing information about our district’s position related to immigration action in or through schools.

Our position on this issue emerges from a simple belief and commitment. Everyone has the right to be safe, respected, and welcome in our schools. Naming and defending that right is legally required, educationally ethical, and consistent with our district’s mission and core values. We will proactively provide that standard of care for our community.

Simply stated, Salem-Keizer will not provide information or assistance to immigration officials in the enforcement of federal civil immigration law in our schools.

By upholding our policies, we both adhere to federal and state law and stay committed to our district’s ethical standards for education. We invite you to learn more by reading our FAQs and one-page summary.

Oregon Law Protections

The Sanctuary Law prohibits state and local law enforcement from arresting or detaining people based only on immigration status.

The Oregon Student Information Protection Act protects student educational records from use for immigration action.

Laws and Policies

State Law

These are identifying numbers and names of relevant laws and regulations.

  • ORS 181A.820 Oregon Sanctuary Law
  • ORS 336.184-187 Oregon Student Information Protection Act

District Policies

School district policies provide guidance on responding to immigration officials, non-local law enforcement, and investigations by law enforcement agencies.

Salem-Keizer Public Schools Protections

Salem-Keizer Public Schools will NOT:

  • Provide information or assistance to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the enforcement of federal civil immigration law unless they provide a court order.
  • Provide immigration officials access to school property beyond the front office.
  • Remove a student for immigration law enforcement without a court order.
  • Inquire about, collect or maintain records related to student immigration status.

Salem-Keizer Public Schools WILL:

  • Provide clear communication to students and families about their rights and protections.
  • Train staff on district policies, procedures, and expectations related to immigration actions and immigration status in schools.
  • Direct all immigration-related legal requests to the superintendent's office prior to taking any action.
  • Work with community organizations and partners to ensure that families have information about and access to support outside of schools.

Download this information as a one-page document in English and Spanish (PDF)

SKPS Family Preparedness Booklet

This booklet includes a checklist of important documents, information on your rights, how to object to the release of directory information, and details on delegating parental or guardian powers.

Immigration Rights Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Salem-Keizer is home to our diverse community of more than 38,000 students and represents more than 100 languages from around the world. Our mission and ethical responsibility – and our obligation under the law – is to ensure our schools are safe and supportive spaces that do not allow immigration status to interfere with any child’s education.

To provide clarity for our students, staff and families, we have provided answers to the following questions regarding immigration status and our commitment to protect students from discrimination and harassment.

Frequently Asked Questions on Immigration

If you have a question that is not answered below, please reach out by emailing Community Relations and Communications. We will work to provide an answer and will continue to update these FAQs with answers to your questions.

What impact does undocumented immigration status have on my child’s education?

None. Children have a constitutional right to have equal access to education regardless of their immigration status or their parents’ status.

Does Salem-Keizer Public Schools ask for a child’s immigration status when he or she enrolls?

No. Public school districts like Salem-Keizer have an obligation to enroll students regardless of their immigration status and without discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin. In Salem-Keizer, we do not ask about immigration status. As a result, we do not have or keep records about student or family immigration status.

Would the school district ever share our students’ immigration status with federal immigration officials?

No. Although we do not have or keep records of immigration status, we sometimes learn about it informally. No matter what we learn, we will not share that information with immigration officials. If we get a request for this type of student information, SKPS will work with their legal counsel to protect all of our students’ constitutional and legal rights to keep their information private.

Should I fill out a FASFA application?

We cannot predict or control all circumstances. Information on FASFA forms can be shared with government agencies. Whether or not you should fill out a FAFSA form is a decision that you should make with your family.

If a parent is detained while a student is at school, what will happen?

In the event that any parents are detained during school hours, the district will engage our crisis and emergency response teams to support our students. It is important that parents update emergency contact information for their students either at their school or in ParentVUE.

What about if I am a DACA recipient?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is based on an order by the president. The new president could choose to rescind that order. If you are a recipient of DACA, consider reaching out to an immigration attorney now to determine if you have access to a better form of immigration status. Additional information can be found here.

What does Salem-Keizer Public Schools do to ensure that no student or family is discriminated against or harassed because of their race, ethnicity, religion or national origin?

SKPS believes deeply that culture, heritage, and language are gifts and assets. We have policies in place that mandate no discrimination or harassment for our students, families or employees on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin and many other protected classes.

What should I do if I feel like my student or I have been the victim of discrimination or harassment?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is based on an order by the president. The new president could choose to rescind that order. If you are a recipient of DACA, consider reaching out to an immigration attorney now to determine if you have access to a better form of immigration status. Additional information can be found here.

Please report the behavior immediately to a school leader. Official complaints can be filed using the forms and procedures listed on this page. We take these complaints very seriously to ensure that our schools continue to be safe spaces.

Does the district ask for or track the DACA status of employees?

No, the district does not request, record, track or utilize the DACA status of an individual in any employment action.

Are personnel records confidential?

Yes, all personnel records are stored confidentially with security controls that limit access to information. In relation to the DACA status of an employee, the district does not track information that would identify the DACA status of employees.

If there are delays in processing Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) renewals, will the district continue employment?

As it relates to DACA employees, categorized by the federal government as C33 in 8 CFR 274a.12, the district is unable to extend employment beyond the expiration date listed on the Employment Authorization Document. Employees under other categories defined in 8 CFR 274a. 12 may be eligible for an automatic extension of their EAD and continue working. The USCIS recommends that anyone working under an Employment Authorization Document submit their renewal application up to 180 days before the expiration to reduce the impact of processing delays. Employees can check the USCIS website to determine if they are eligible for an automatic extension.