Denver Public Schools Reinforces Visitor Policies, Protects Student Privacy
Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero has reaffirmed district policies aimed at preventing unauthorized individuals from entering school campuses, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. In a letter addressed to school leaders on January 14, 2025, Marrero emphasized that "no individual should be permitted to enter the building without ascertaining whether the individual has a legitimate business or educational purpose."
Marrero’s statement comes in light of the district’s Administrative Policy JIH, which clearly prohibits federal immigration law enforcement activities on school grounds. This policy, first enacted in 1971 and revised in 2019, underscores the district’s commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status.
To ensure compliance with these guidelines, Marrero advised school leaders to utilize the building’s intercom system to establish communication with federal officials and to implement lockdown procedures when necessary. The protection of student privacy remains a top priority; under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the district is mandated to limit access to student records.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in 1982 guarantees that every child in the United States has the right to a public education, irrespective of their immigration status. Furthermore, the Colorado Department of Education and Denver Public Schools do not track the immigration status of students, reinforcing the district’s dedication to inclusivity.
Marrero’s communication serves as a reminder of Denver Public Schools’ unwavering stance on safeguarding student rights and privacy, reaffirming the importance of a secure educational environment. This story is developing, with further updates expected from district officials.