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Sanctuary Policy and Recent Immigration Executive Orders by the President

January 27, 2025

DPSCD Staff, Families, and Students,

This note is sent to assure, remind, or inform you that Detroit Public Schools Community District remains committed to protecting the rights of all students to have access to a free, public education regardless of a child’s or family member’s immigration status. This commitment comes to you directly from our School Board and me.

In 2019, the School Board adopted the Sanctuary District Policy (below) to support our immigrant students and families and prevent any disruption to the learning environment that federal immigration enforcement agencies may cause for our students. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) released the attached memo reaffirming our position that the District is not required to turn over student records or students to immigration authorities. However, this MDE guidance was released prior to this week’s Presidential Executive Orders declaring schools and churches no longer having “sensitive” location status. This suggests that federal agents may now search or raid schools.

The recent Presidential Executive Orders will face legal challenges. In the meantime, we will work with our legal team, community advocates, other Districts, and possibly outside counsel to understand and discern what the District’s current legal requirements and responsibilities are to work with federal immigration officials.  At this time, we have not been officially approached to do so.

As District employees, please report any engagement of immigration officials regarding our District, any school, families, or students to your respective principal or District supervisor. We will problem-solve through this request from there.

These are certainly difficult times for our immigrant families and those of us who support them. Please be assured that as a District we will always do everything within our influence and authority to protect and advocate for ALL our students and their families!!!

With love, concern, and respect,

Nikolai P. Vitti, EdD

Superintendent of Schools

Detroit Public Schools Community District   

DPSCD Sanctuary District Policy

MDE Memo on Immigration Status Matters