SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa — The head of the Parkland School District issued a memo to families Wednesday that explains the district’s policy on immigration.
It comes as the new Trump administration cracks down on immigrants in the U.S. illegally — and a week after it announced it would permit federal immigration agencies to make arrests at churches and schools, ending a policy that had been in effect for more than a decade.
Other Lehigh Valley school districts also have addressed the issue.
Allentown schools Superintendent Carol Birks told the school board last week that the district was renewing its commitment to immigrant families.
In Bethlehem, this notice was posted on the district website:
"The BASD has not been presented with any requests for information/persons by law enforcement regarding a person's immigration status. However, if presented with such a request, the BASD will follow the strictest application of the law.
“It is our legal counsel's opinion that the BASD should require a signed warrant if an arrest is being made, and if an arrest is not being made, and there is no warrant to enter the building, then the school district may attempt to prohibit entry.”
"It is vital that every student feels safe, valued, and able to learn without fear or judgment."Mark Madson, Parkland School District superintendent
The Parkland School District is committed “to ensuring that every student, family, and staff member feels safe, welcomed and supported,” Superintendent Mark Madson said in a note to families.
“As we navigate the evolving landscape of federal policies and societal discussions on immigration, we affirm our commitment to creating a school environment that fosters safety, respect, and success for all,” he said.
Here is the rest of Madson’s memo to families:
“As your superintendent, I want to assure you that we remain focused on our mission to serve every child who walks through our doors. Our primary responsibility is to educate and support all students. It is vital that every student feels safe, valued, and able to learn without fear or judgment.
“We have consulted with our legal team to ensure procedures aligned with federal, state, and local law. Under the U.S. Constitution, public schools must teach all students free of charge, regardless of whether they are undocumented. Students have the right to attend public school without having to present a green card, visa, social security number, or any other proof of citizenship. Schools are not permitted to inquire about a student’s immigration status and may not deny enrollment because a student provides a birth certificate from another country. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that denying education to undocumented children violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
“We have a legal and ethical obligation to protect the privacy of our students. Immigration status is not information we collect or disclose, and any inquiries from outside agencies will be directed to the school principals, who have received guidance on managing immigration concerns.
“Per Parkland School District policy, we only send students home with individuals who are authorized as emergency contacts. We ask that you make sure that your child’s emergency contact information is up-to-date by reviewing the registration tab in Home Access Center (HAC) and to contact your child’s school if you wish to update it. For students who are experiencing fear, stress or anxiety, families can reach out to our school counselors for support. We have counselors on site in every school building.
“Thank you for supporting our students and the Parkland community during this time. While the legal and enforcement landscape continues to evolve, our unwavering commitment remains clear: providing a safe and welcoming environment where all students can thrive. In times of uncertainty, the strength of our community becomes our greatest asset. Our shared dedication to our students and their well-being is what truly unites us as a community, and it is this unity that will help us move forward together. We will provide updates to families as we continue to work with our school board, staff, administration, and district solicitor in navigating ongoing changes.”
