Clackamas ESD’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of the immigrant and mixed-status students and families we serve

Everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and welcome in Clackamas ESD facilities and programs. As we prepare for more changes in the enforcement of federal immigration policies, Clackamas ESD reiterates its commitment to adhering to federal and state civil rights laws, and proactively ensuring the highest standards of care for the immigrant and mixed-status children and families we serve.

Clackamas ESD will:

• Provide clear communication to students and families about their rights and protections.
• Direct all immigration-related legal requests to the superintendent’s office prior to taking any action.
• Work with community organizations and partners to ensure that families have information about and access to support outside of schools.

Clackamas ESD will not:

• Inquire about, collect or maintain records related to student immigration or citizenship status.
• Provide information or assistance to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for purposes of federal civil immigration law enforcement unless ICE provides a court order.
• Provide immigration officials access to school/district property beyond the front office.
• Remove a student for immigration law enforcement without a court order.

Relevant resources

• The Oregon Sanctuary Law prohibits state and local law enforcement officials from assisting federal officials in immigration actions such as arresting or detaining people based only on immigration status. (ORS 181A.820 Oregon Sanctuary Law) If you suspect a violation of Oregon’s sanctuary law call the Sanctuary Promise Hotline at 844-924-7829 (the Spanish language direct-dial hotline is 844-626-7276). The hotline is staffed Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and interpreters are available.
• The Oregon Student Information Protection Act protects student educational records from use for immigration action. (ORS 336.184-187 Oregon Student Information Protection Act)
• The federal landmark case of “Plyler v. Doe” (1982) effectively guarantees access to free public education for undocumented students nationwide. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that any restriction of that access violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.