SPRNGFIELD — With mass deportations happening across the country, the Springfield School Department has released information in response to President Donald Trump’s recent actions regarding immigration.
One such decision made by the president allows officers enforcing immigration laws the power to arrest migrants at sensitive locations like schools and churches, thus rescinding former President Joe Biden’s 2021 guidelines that “thwart law enforcement in or near so-called ‘sensitive’ areas,” according to a Jan. 21 announcement from the Department of Homeland Security.
Trump’s decision leaves families and students across the country concerned that a raid by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement at their schools could happen at any moment.
In response to these changes by Trump, Superintendent Sonia Dinnall released an update to the public that stated ways in which Springfield Public Schools would follow guidelines under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act to protect students.
“Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, SPS is prohibited from sharing personally identifiable student information with law enforcement or federal immigration enforcement agencies unless required by a court order or lawfully issued subpoena,” the announcement from the School Department reads. “In addition to following DESE guidelines, the district is taking proactive steps to safeguard student privacy and share local resources to ensure families feel supported.”
The announcement also states that SPS will continue to prioritize learning and safety across Springfield’s schools.
“This includes working hand in hand with families to address their concerns, provide resources and offer reassurance,” the update said. “School leaders have access to clear protocols to help navigate these situations, and our counseling team is committed to helping students and families manage the stress and anxiety they may be experiencing.”
The update, which is on the SPS website, stated that the School Department has been sharing guidance and resources with school leaders to support them in addressing these concerns with “sensitivity and care.”
One piece of guidance came in the form of a memo that was sent out to Springfield principals on Jan. 21, which ordered Springfield principals to not answer any questions from ICE if they visit their school. Instead, they are directed to contact central office for further guidance.
In that memo, Dinnall also stated that school administration does not ask families or students for information about their immigration status or any related documentation.
“Springfield Public Schools is committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of immigration status, has access to a safe and welcoming educational environment,” read Dinnall’s letter to the principals.
Additional comments
At a recent press conference on Jan. 28, Dinnall reaffirmed her commitment to supporting families and students who have concerns surrounding Trump’s recent immigration decisions.
She said that the School Department wants to make sure they are “partnering with community-based organizations” to help SPS do their best to “educate and protect our students.”
“We want to make sure that our students who are very anxious and very stressed about the current state of affairs; we want to support them emotionally,” Dinnall said. “We want to support them educationally.”
During the press conference, Dinnall added that she has not seen Trump’s new actions around immigration impact attendance in Springfield Public Schools.
She said the School Department trusts that Springfield’s students and families know that the teachers and administration are here to support them.
“Our counselors are on the ready, as well as other staff members, to ensure that we continue to reassure our parents that our city is supportive,” Dinnall said.
The School Department’s update on this matter includes a list of local organizations and resources for families who may feel impacted by the current immigration climate and can be found at tinyurl.com/3yr9rm8s.
A document that parents and guardians can fill out that would not allow SPS to release directory information — such as a student’s name, date and place of birth, address, or phone number — without consent from the parent or guardian; is also available at tinyurl.com/3x8ddjaa.
According to the document, the release of directory information is not generally considered to be harmful or an invasion of privacy.
