In Iowa, immigrant families are entitled to several fundamental rights within the educational system:
- Right to Public Education: All children, irrespective of their immigration status, have the right to enroll in public K-12 schools. This is upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Plyler v. Doe, which prohibits schools from denying education based on a child’s immigration status.
American Federation of Teachers - Protection Against Discrimination: The Iowa Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in educational settings on the basis of race, color, national origin, or ancestry. Schools must provide equal opportunities and cannot treat students differently due to their immigration status.
USCIS Guide - Privacy of Student Information: Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), schools are required to protect the confidentiality of student records, including information regarding immigration status. Schools cannot disclose such information without parental consent or unless required by law.
American Federation of Teachers - Safe Learning Environment: Schools are considered sensitive locations, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has policies that generally restrict enforcement actions at schools. This policy aims to ensure that students can attend school without fear of immigration enforcement actions on campus.
American Federation of Teachers - Language Assistance Services: Schools are obligated to provide language support services to students who are English Language Learners (ELL), ensuring they have meaningful access to the curriculum. This includes offering programs and resources to help students overcome language barriers.
USCIS Guide
