In response to the growing concern among undocumented members of the Denver community, Denver Public Schools (DPS) Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero has announced a concerted effort to support students and families facing immigration-related anxieties. As obtained by Denver Public Schools, Marrero underlined the district's commitment to maintaining "equitable and inclusive environments," stressing the importance for families, especially those without documentation, to have access to appropriate resources amidst probable shifts in federal policies.
Emphasizing the lack of clarity surrounding the actions the incoming administration might take, Marrero's communication outlined a strategy that includes a Family Resource Toolkit available in both English and Spanish which contains a cache of vital information ranging from legal rights, district policy guidelines, training, and mental health support, to a curated selection of communal resources. Marrero advised families to acquaint themselves with this toolkit and to keep it handy for future reference, importance for families to review and update their emergency contacts cannot be overstated, every student should list at least two non-familial emergency contacts if required, an express directive from the DPS superintendent's office.
The DPS update not only focuses on procedural preparedness but also reassures the community about the sanctity of school grounds. Currently, schools are considered sensitive locations where actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are limited, ensuring that educational environments remain safe harbors for students who need them, as stated by Marrero "Our schools are safe, and we want our students here,” as per Denver Public Schools, reiterating the district’s position on providing education regardless of a student's legal status, a beacon of hope within the enclave of academic institutions.
