Protecting our Students and Families Regarding New Presidental Administration

In light of recent federal policy changes under the new presidential administration, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the State of Illinois are reaffirming their commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all students and families, including immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities.

Protections for Immigrant Students and Families

Non-Disclosure of Immigration Status: CPS does not inquire about or disclose students' immigration statuses. Student records are only shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if a court order is presented or with parental consent.
Sanctuary Policies: Chicago maintains its status as a sanctuary city, ensuring that local authorities do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement in ways that could endanger immigrant families.
School as Safe Havens: CPS emphasizes that schools are safe spaces where every child is welcome, regardless of immigration status. Efforts are in place to protect students from any form of discrimination or enforcement actions while on school premises.

Protections for LGBTQ+ Students and Families

Inclusive Curriculum: Illinois law mandates the inclusion of LGBTQ+ contributions in history lessons, ensuring representation and fostering an inclusive environment.
Non-Discrimination Policies: State and local regulations prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Schools are required to provide a safe environment free from harassment for all students.
Supportive Resources: CPS offers guidance and resources to protect LGBTQ+ students and staff, including mental health support and the enforcement of non-discrimination policies.

State and Local Legislative Support

Affirmation of Rights: The Chicago Board of Education has passed resolutions reaffirming its commitment to protect students of various immigration statuses, gender identities, and sexual orientations, especially in response to recent federal policy shifts. chalkbeat.org
Legal Protections: Illinois law ensures that all students have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination and harassment, with specific protections for transgender and nonbinary students. dhr.illinois.gov

For more detailed information and resources, families are encouraged to visit the CPS official website and consult with school administrators to understand the specific measures in place to support and protect all students.

If you see or experience ICE activity, call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights' (ICIRR) 24-Hour Family Support Hotline: 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693).

For more information on ICIRR's hotline go to icirr.org/fsn. Here’s how you can stay informed and help others:

Understand ICE Tactics: ICE often carries out operations early in the morning, targeting people as they leave for work or take their children to school. They may also set up traffic stops, visit workplaces, or go to people’s homes. Even if someone is not the primary target, ICE has historically detained others who are present.

Know Your Rights: Every person in the U.S. has constitutional protections, and knowing how to exercise those rights can make all the difference in a moment of interaction with ICE:

You do NOT have to open your door unless ICE presents a warrant signed by a judge. ICE forms are not signed by judges and do not grant permission to enter your home.
If you come into contact with ICE officers, stay calm, do not run, and do not provide information about your immigration status.
Do not sign anything you don’t understand, and do not provide false documents. If you are questioned, you can calmly state that you wish to speak with a lawyer before proceeding.

Create a Safety Plan: Planning ahead is essential. Make sure your family has emergency contact information, and ensure schools or daycare centers have updated contact details for emergencies

Know Your Rights - English

Know Your Rights- Spanish

Know Your Rights - Polish

Mental Health Support

Mental healthcare and well-being services for the immigrant community are managed by Lurie Children’s Hospital. For more information, visit www.luriechildrens.org/youarenotalone.

If you are looking for direct services for children or adolescents, please contact the Illinois Screening, Assessment and Support Services Program at 1-800-345- 9049

The Chicago Department of Public Health provides mental health services for adults at locations across the city. Clinicians speak Spanish and English, with translation services available in other languages. To schedule an appointment, please call 312-744-1906.