Model Policy to Protect Immigrant Students’ Right to Attend School

On January 20, 2025, President Trump rescinded the “sensitive locations” policy that had previously limited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in sensitive locations like schools, places of worship, and hospitals. This rescission was intended to cause fear among immigrant students and families and has had the intended effect, leaving many school districts confused and educators anxious about protecting their students.

This model policy (available in English and Spanish) has been developed by the NYCLU to assist school districts in navigating this new landscape and addresses enrollment practices, procedures for responding to requests from non-local law enforcement for access to students or student information, protections for student data, protocols in the event that a parent or guardian is detained or deported, and the provision of “Know Your Rights” resources and other legal support to families and children.