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Denver School Officials Advise Parents Against Sharing Information for Directories | News

Denver Public Schools Advise Parents Amid Immigration Crackdown

In response to President Donald Trump’s commitment to intensify illegal immigration enforcement, Denver Public Schools (DPS) officials are advising parents to consider opting out of updating their emergency contact information. This guidance, while not explicitly stated, is likely aimed at families living unlawfully in the United States.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects certain student records, but directory information remains public and can be accessed through the Colorado Open Records Act. Bill Good, a district spokesperson, emphasized that families may designate any trusted adult as an emergency contact, as there is no requirement for these individuals to be family members.

Superintendent Alex Marrero informed school leaders that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would not be permitted on campus per district policy, and instructed staff to use intercom systems for communication with federal officials if needed. This comes as the Trump administration rescinded the Obama-era “sensitive locations policy,” which had previously restricted immigration enforcement in schools and similar environments.

In light of this escalating situation, Marrero provided district staff with guidance and training to manage potential interactions with immigration authorities. Although neither the Colorado Department of Education nor DPS tracks students’ immigration statuses, the influx of immigrant students since the humanitarian crisis began two years ago has put a strain on the education system.

To alleviate this impact, Governor Jared Polis signed a bill granting an additional $24 million to support new arrivals, translating to $4.9 million for the district. Currently, DPS has registered about 1,000 more students this year than anticipated, thanks to an ongoing influx of immigrants seeking refuge. Despite challenges, this new enrollment surge reflects the district’s efforts amid a complex landscape influenced by national immigration policies.

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