FAQS

Have more questions? Contact us!

WHO ARE WE?

The Safe Space Schools team believes that teachers and administrators can play a large role in supporting and advocating for immigrant children in and out of the classroom. As NYU students studying the politics of sanctuary, we decided to create this website as our final project this semester in the hopes of connecting educators with easily accessible information, resources, contacts, and relevant blog posts.

WHAT RIGHTS DO STUDENTS HAVE IN NEW YORK?

Students between the ages of 5 and 21 have the right to attend New York public schools regardless of their (or their families’) immigration status. All students who apply for public education will be placed in a school within five school days. If a student has little or no understanding of the English language, they cannot be turned away, but do have the right to choose a bilingual or English as a New Language program.

WHAT RIGHTS DO PARENTS AND FAMILIES HAVE?

Schools cannot ask parents about their or their children’s immigration status. Though they can ask for a social security number on school forms, parents have the right to decline answering. For any school meeting or parent-teacher conferences, parents have the right to contact their child’s principal and request translation assistance. Additionally, undocumented families have the same rights under FERPA (available here) as all other New York families.

WHAT ARE SOME BASIC TIPS FOR EDUCATORS TO FOSTER A WELCOMING, SAFE CLASSROOM SPACE?

If a student discloses their immigration status, promise to keep it confidential. Educators should make sure to have a strong grasp on the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) in case of bullying and/or discrimination, both from other educators and from peers.

WHAT LAWS ARE CURRENTLY IN PLACE FOR EDUCATORS PROTECTING STUDENTS?

School staff cannot ask parents or students about their immigration status, or provide any information about students to ICE officers.

CAN ICE ENTER A SCHOOL?

ICE officers are not allowed to enter schools (or hospitals or religious centers), except under the rare “emergency circumstance” that they have a judicial warrant. If an officer is waiting outside for immigration enforcement purposes, they must wait for the school’s principal to consult with a lawyer from the Department of Education. If you are a principal, make sure you understand what to do in such an event – a guide is available on the DOE’s website.

AS OF NOW, WHAT ARE SOME BASIC PRECAUTIONS FOR FAMILIES AND TEACHERS TO TAKE TO PROTECT STUDENTS?

Families should keep school records updated at all times with trusted adults to pick up and care for students in case primary guardians or parents are detained.

WHAT ARE SOME EXTERNAL RESOURCES?

For immediate help, Advocates for Children has a toll-free hotline from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Mondays through Thursdays: 866-427-6033.

SOURCES & ONLINE RESOURCES

advocatesforchildren.org
includenyc.org
schools.nyc.gov
thenyic.org