Dear Families of CRCSD:

We have all been hearing about the possibility of stepped-up law enforcement efforts within school buildings, including those by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. In response, the Cedar Rapids Community School District is restating its commitment to a Safe and Secure Learning Environment. There is no higher priority. Our vision is “Every Learner. Future Ready” and that means Everyone Equipped, Empowered, and Engaged to Excel. First, we want you to know the United States Supreme Court has ruled – in the case of Plyler v. Doe – that no student can be denied access to public education based on their immigration status. This is one reason the District does not collect, store, or have any information about a student’s immigration status.

We assure you our District is committed to complying with lawful orders of federal immigration officials while also safeguarding the rights of our staff and students. Furthermore, we are legally obligated to protect the privacy and confidentiality of student information and to limit access to students. We are using central office administrators and robust protocols to respond to law enforcement who arrive at a school. This ensures we will fulfill all legal responsibilities and uphold our commitment to supporting every student and family in our District.

Under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act law (FERPA), we are required to limit access to student records, and may only disclose them in specific, lawful circumstances. Certain information (known as directory information) may have to be released, but we will not release information that leads to the discovery of one’s immigration status. Also, our policies and protocols include notifying parents and/or guardians of requests beyond directory information or where a subpoena has been served. This gives parents/guardians a chance to deny a request made without a subpoena and, if there is a subpoena, to get a protective order to stop or limit the release of information.

CRCSD general policy provides that students may not be interviewed during the school day by law enforcement, and no interview will take place until a principal contacts the parent/guardian asking them to be present. Also, the principal may deny the request and will consult legal counsel before deciding. Students will not be taken from school without a proper warrant. If one is presented, the parent/guardian will be contacted and legal counsel will review the warrant before access to the student is allowed.

It is up to you whether to contact a lawyer or another resource for help in learning your legal rights and finding support. Attached is a list of resources of which the District is aware, but it is up to you whether to contact them or another resource. Please know the District’s commitment to serving all students and families remains unwavering. Your children are loved, supported, and valued by our entire school community, and we will continue working together to create an environment where every student can thrive. If you have particular questions or concerns, please contact your building administrator who will work to find answers for you.

Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Dubuque – Immigration Legal Services
Location: 420 6th SE, Suite 220, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Contact: (319) 364-7121,
https://www.catholiccharitiesdubuque.org/catholic-charities services/immigration-legal-services/

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque (Cedar Rapids)
Location: Sr. Mary Lawrence Community Center, 420 6th St S.E., Suite 220, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Contact: (319)364-7121, https://www.CatholicCharitiesDubuque.org

Diocesan Immigration Program, Diocese of Davenport
Location: 780 West Central Park Ave, Davenport, IA 52804-1901
Contact: 563-324-1911,
garnicak@davenportdiocese.org

Drake Refugee Clinic
Location: 2400 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311
Contact: (515)-271-3851,
https://www.drake.edu/law/clinics-centers/clinic/refugeeclinic/, law-refugee@drake.edu

Iowa Legal Aid
Location: 666 Walnut St., 25th Floor, Des Moines, IA 50309
Contact: (800) 532-1275, https://www.iowalegalaid.org
Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice (Cedar Rapids Office)
Location: 2424 42nd St. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Contact: (515) 255-9809, https://www.iowammj.org/, info@iowammj.org

Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice (Des Moines Office)
Location: PO Box 41006, Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50311
Contact: (515) 255-9809, https://www.iowammj.org ; info@iowammj.org

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)
Location: 1200 University Ave., Suite 205, Des Moines, IA 50314 Contact: 515-344-3367
University of Iowa College of Law – Immigration Clinical Program Location: 380 Boyd Law Building, Melrose & Byington, Iowa City, IA 52242 Contact: (319) 335-9023, https://law.uiowa.edu/clinic ; law-legal-clinic@uiowa.edu