AWSP is committed to fostering inclusive, equitable, and supportive environments for all students, including immigrant and undocumented learners. Schools are a vital source of stability and opportunity for these students, and we must ensure they are welcomed and protected in our education system.
In alignment with the recent guidance released by Superintendent Reykdal and OSPI, our resource page is designed to provide school leaders, educators, and communities with essential tools and information.
OSPI Guidance:
Protecting Immigrant and Undocumented Students
u003cpu003eu003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003eu003c/pu003eu003cpu003eOSPI released guidance to help schools protect and support immigrant and undocumented students. This resource offers legal insights, actionable strategies, and best practices for fostering inclusive, equitable school environments.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003eu003c/pu003eu003cpu003eSchool leaders are vital in ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and supported, regardless of immigration status. This guidance is to help you uphold these protections and strengthen your efforts to create welcoming spaces for all students. Explore the resources to learn more and take action in your schools.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eu003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003eu003c/pu003eu003culu003eu003cliu003eu003ca href=u0022https://ospi.k12.wa.us/sites/default/files/2025-01/protections-immigrant-students-washington-public-schools.pdfu0022u003eView the Guideu003c/au003eu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003eu003c/liu003eu003cliu003eu003ca href=u0022https://ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights/immigrant-students-rights-attend-public-schoolsu0022u003eStudents’ Rights Pageu003c/au003eu003c/liu003eu003c/ulu003eu003cpu003eu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003eu003c/pu003eu003cpu003eu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003eu003c/pu003e
Case Law Plyler vs. Doe (457 U.S. 202 (1982))
u003cpu003eu003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003eu003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThe U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Plyler vs. Doe (457 U.S. 202 (1982)) that undocumented children and young adults have the same right to attend public primary and secondary schools as do U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Like other children, undocumented students are obliged under state law to attend school until they reach a mandated age. As a result of the Plyler ruling, public schools may not:u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:list {u0022orderedu0022:true} u002du002du003eu003c/pu003eu003col class=u0022wp-block-listu0022u003eu003c!u002du002d wp:list-item u002du002du003eu003cliu003eDeny admission to a student during initial enrollment or at any other time on the basis of undocumented status.u003c/liu003eu003c!u002du002d /wp:list-item u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:list-item u002du002du003eu003cliu003eTreat a student differently to determine residency.u003c/liu003eu003c!u002du002d /wp:list-item u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:list-item u002du002du003eu003cliu003eEngage in any practices to u0022chillu0022 the right of access to school.u003c/liu003eu003c!u002du002d /wp:list-item u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:list-item u002du002du003eu003cliu003eRequire students or parents to disclose or document their immigration status.u003c/liu003eu003c!u002du002d /wp:list-item u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:list-item u002du002du003eu003cliu003eMake inquiries of students or parents that may expose their undocumented status.u003c/liu003eu003c!u002du002d /wp:list-item u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:list-item u002du002du003eu003cliu003eRequire social security numbers from all students, as this may expose their undocumented status. (Adults without social security numbers who are applying for a free lunch and/or breakfast program on behalf of a student need only indicate on the application that they do not have a social security number.​)u003c/liu003eu003c!u002du002d /wp:list-item u002du002du003eu003c/olu003eu003cpu003eu003c!u002du002d /wp:list u002du002du003eu003c/pu003e
Student Walkouts
Need to let your parents and community know how you’re handling walkouts and protests? View a sample letter from a district to a community.Â
What Can Students Do
Students can make their schools safer and more inclusive by working with their peers, teachers, administrators, and community members.
More Resources
- Enforcement Actions at or Focused on Sensitive Locations (ICE memo – PDF)
- Empowering Students & Families with Varying Immigration Statuses | OSPI Webinar Slide Deck (PDF)
- Know Your Rights if You Encounter ICE | National Immigrant Justice Center