Supporting Immigrant & Refugee Students & Families

RESOLUTION AFFIRMING SUPPORT OF ALL STUDENTS AND FAMILIES REGARDLESS OF
NATIONAL ORIGIN, CITIZENSHIP OR IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTATION STATUS

ADOPTED by the Beaverton School District Board of Directors on January 14, 2025

WHEREAS, the Beaverton School District is home to families from all over the world; and

WHEREAS, the diversity of our students, families and staff is a source of strength and must be honored and reflected in our policies and practices; and

WHEREAS, equity is a core value of our district and a foundation of the district’s strategic plan, with a steadfast commitment to eliminating barriers and creating a welcoming school climate where all staff, students and families can belong, believe and achieve; and

WHEREAS, the fundamental purpose of our public schools is to provide all students a high-quality, well-rounded education that meets each student’s abilities and needs and prepares them for their future; and

WHEREAS, Supreme Court precedent (Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982)), requires that all students be provided with equal access to public education, regardless of their immigration status or that of their parents or guardians; and

WHEREAS, Oregon law (ORS 181A.820) prohibits law enforcement agencies from using public resources for the purpose of detecting or apprehending persons whose only violation is being present in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws, subject to the exceptions of that law; and

WHEREAS, public schools in Oregon are subject to all federal and state laws and constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination, and the district promotes an environment free of discrimination or harassment based on an individual’s race, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability or other protected characteristics, as per board policies including AC Nondiscrimination, ACB Every Student Belongs—Hate Symbols and Bias Incidents, JFCF Hazing/Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying, and JBB Educational Equity; and

WHEREAS, the board recognizes that the current political climate and national events have caused uncertainty and anxiety for many in our community, that the district shares in the responsibility to respond to these concerns on behalf of our BSD students, families and staff, and that it is critical for our schools to continue to be safe and welcoming spaces where students and families from all backgrounds feel they belong;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Beaverton School District will maintain its practices consistent with supporting all students regardless of national origin, citizenship or immigration status. The district:

1.     Will not ask about, document or maintain records related to students’ immigration documentation status, or the status of students’ or employees’ family members;

2.     Will not disclose student educational records without parental permission, court order or other legal authority, pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and relevant law;

3.     Will not permit law enforcement to access school property or take a student from school for the purpose of immigration enforcement without parental permission, court order or other legal authority;

4.     Will require, to the maximum extent permitted by law, that any court order or legal authority seeking student educational records, access to school property, or a student’s removal from school must be presented directly to the superintendent’s office, with adequate notice so that the superintendent or designee can assess the request and consult legal counsel before any action is taken; and

5.     Will contact designated emergency contacts or appropriate state child protective services to provide for the student’s care in the event that a student’s parent or guardian is unavailable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Beaverton School District directs the superintendent to ensure that, within 120 days following adoption of this resolution:

1.     The district will review and strengthen as needed its relevant policies, procedures and practices to ensure they are consistent with this resolution and its intent, to the extent permitted by law;

2.     The district will communicate to all employees and will provide training for affected staff such as school administrators and school office assistants to understand and follow the policies, procedures and practices related to supporting all students regardless of national origin, citizenship or immigration documentation status, which are supported and reaffirmed by this resolution;

3.     The district will provide accessible information to families and the community about its policies, procedures, and practices that relate to supporting all students regardless of national origin, citizenship or immigration documentation status; and  

4.     The superintendent will carry out this resolution and communicate its content as needed to inform and support our community.

This resolution is intended to be consistent with the district's legal obligations under federal and state law. Accordingly, this resolution shall be interpreted as to not violate any requirement of federal or state law. Should federal or state law change so as to give rise to a conflict with any provision of this resolution, such provision shall be of no further effect, and the remainder will continue to be valid and enforceable.