Student Immigration Status: Joliet HS District 204 'Does Not Ask'

(The following edited press release was issued this week by Joliet Township High School District 204 Superintendent Karla Guseman.)

JOLIET — District 204 Superintendent Karla Guseman announced that Joliet Township High School respects the rights of every child, regardless of immigration status, to access a free public K-12 education and the district welcomes and supports all students.

• JTHS Mission: JTHS is an “inclusive learning community that values and embraces diversity.”

• JTHS Beliefs: “Each individual possesses inherent worth and equal value. A safe environment is essential for every individual. All people can learn.”

• JTHS Strategy 2: “We will establish a culture and organizational structure that will foster a positive, safe, inclusive, and supporting climate that engages all stakeholders.”

• JTHS Parameters: “We will always maintain a safe, secure and supportive environment. We will not tolerate behavior which demeans the self-worth or dignity of any individual or group.”

Our staff has been trained on how to handle any potential interactions with immigration agents, and we have empowered trusted adults within our school to work directly with students, offering reassurance and support. We have approached this matter with great care. Our priority is to foster a secure, inclusive, and supportive environment where all students can focus on their education without fear.

Below is a summary of procedures that are in place to safeguard our students:

• In the event that a federal immigration agent seeks student information or asks to speak to students, our staff will not disclose any information or permit entry into the building, unless specifically required by law.

• JTHS entry procedures remain in place, which means that no one is allowed in our buildings without identifying themselves through identification and declaring their business for being on campus during the school day.

• JTHS does not require or ask for our students’ or their families’ immigration status. In general, Federal and State law prohibit school districts from requesting or collecting records related to a student or family’s citizenship or immigration status.

• All student information is confidential and student records are protected under Federal and State law, and generally cannot be disclosed to authorities without a court order.

Below is additional information that may be helpful for students and families:

• Students may seek support from any JTHS faculty or staff member and may be particularly encouraged to speak with a school social worker, psychologist, or counselor.

• Please take a few minutes to ensure your emergency contact information is up to date by reviewing this in Infinite Campus. Call Joliet Central or West Registration Staff if any changes need to be made.

• JTHS encourages families to utilize community resources such as the Spanish Community Center in Joliet (phone: 815-727-3683) and the Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project in Bolingbrook (phone: 630-296-6755) as trusted partners that may provide low-cost or free workshops, consultations, and/or services related to immigration, including DACA, citizenship, detainment, and more.
• Additional information is available through the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights through this link: Immigrant Community Resources.
• Our students and staff deserve to feel safe and supported as they work and learn each day within our campuses. Safety and security of our staff and students will continue to be paramount. We deeply value the trust our families place in us, and we remain committed to upholding our responsibility to every member of our community. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.