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Immigration FAQs

Q: How does the district provide a welcoming place to seek help, assistance, information, and safety?

A: The district has policies and practices that create a welcoming place to seek help, assistance, information, and safety. In keeping with our mission statement, CSD creates an equitable and inclusive community that fosters social and emotional well-being and a passion for learning. For additional information, please see Policy 103: Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in schools and classroom practices.

Q: What impact does undocumented immigration status have on my child’s education? 

A: None. Children have a constitutional right to have equal access to a free and appropriate K-12 public education regardless of their immigration status. According to Plyler v. Doe (1982), all children, including undocumented children, have a federal and state right to a public education. In Pennsylvania, the state recognizes the right to public education as a fundamental right and prohibits a school district from conditioning a child’s access to education on their immigration status. Specifically, the Pennsylvania School Code states “a school may not inquire regarding the immigration status of a student as part of the admission process.” This was affirmed in the Commonwealth Court case William Penn School District v. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2023).

Q: Does the Cheltenham School District ask for a child’s immigration status when they enroll? 

A: No. Pennsylvania school code prohibits school districts from making inquiries related to a student's immigration status for enrollment purposes. The district's enrollment policy and practices do not request immigration status for purposes of registering a student in the district. 

Q: Would the school district ever share our students’ immigration status with federal immigration officials?

A: Since the district does not collect or track a student’s immigration status, it has no information to share.

Q: What would the district do if it received a request from law enforcement officials to enter the school?

A: Board Policy 225: Relationship with law enforcement - Consistent with the Pennsylvania Safe Schools Act, the Superintendent or designee shall ensure that a Memorandum of Understanding is developed with the Cheltenham Township Police Department which outlines the procedures to be followed when certain incidents contemplated by the Pennsylvania Safe Schools act occur on school property, at any school-sponsored activity, or on a conveyance providing transportation to or from school or a school-sponsored activity.

Q: Does the district have the authority to prohibit, control, and/or regulate the entry of any person to a school or school grounds? 

A: Policy 907 - Visitors to district schools during the school day - With respect to law enforcement officials who request access to our schools, CSD follows a particular set of procedures, including verification of credentials and review of any documentation presented.  Parents/guardians are notified if their child is the subject of any official request.

Q: Does the district have a policy to protect the privacy of student records?

A: Board Policy 206 - Student Records protects the privacy of student records. The primary purpose of pupil record keeping shall be the educational welfare and advancement of the pupil.

Q: How does the District provide access to all policies and procedures to students and families

A: All district policies are available online through the website.

Q: What should I do if I want to understand my immigration rights?

A: Only licensed immigration attorneys can provide you with accurate advice about immigration status and how you can pursue your legal rights. 

Q: Who can I contact at the district for additional information and resources?

A: Contact CSD Director of Student Services Jessica Keene.