In Highline Public Schools, every student is welcome, valued, and safe. We stand firm in protecting the rights and dignity of all students, families and staff. Our schools embrace people of all beliefs, backgrounds and needs, creating a respectful and inclusive learning community. We are grateful to everyone in our community who supports this commitment.
We are closely monitoring the executive orders issued by the new federal administration to assess the potential impact on our schools.
Federal directives do not change Washington state law or our School Board policies. We remain committed to upholding these protections and ensuring that all students—regardless of citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other aspect of their identity—have the right to a public education, as protected by law.
Protecting Our Immigrant and Refugee Community
We have clear processes for responding to requests from government agencies, including the Department of Human Services, court-appointed legal counsel, and other officials seeking to contact students while at school. If an ICE official arrives at a school, staff must immediately notify the Superintendent’s office and direct them to the public sidewalk.
We will follow the procedures outlined in Board Policy 4300:
- Immediate Notification: If an official (like an officer or agent) arrives at a school, staff must immediately notify the Superintendent's office.
- Verification: The Superintendent’s Office will check the official’s credentials (such as name, agency and badge number) and document who they plan to talk to and why they are there. They will also ask for a court order or warrant.
- Required Documentation: Any official wanting to enter a school to speak with a student or make an arrest must show a valid court order or judicial warrant.
- Review for Validity: The Superintendent’s office will carefully review the order to ensure it is legally valid. It must clearly state the purpose, specific location, person involved, current date, and have a judge’s signature.
- Permission Check: The Superintendent's office will confirm that the officer has the proper authorization from their agency to enter school property.
- Decision on Access: After reviewing all necessary information, the Superintendent's office will decide whether the official may proceed and will inform the school principal.
- Parental Notification: If immigration enforcement involves a student, the Superintendent's office will inform the student’s parent or guardian.
- District Representation: A Highline representative will be present during any interviews to ensure proper procedures are followed.
- Protecting Student Privacy: Highline will not provide access to student records or areas beyond what is legally required. We will never ask for or keep records of any student’s immigration status.
All administrators and office managers have participated in required training on Policy 4300. Additionally, staff in our Safety & Security Department, Family Engagement Department, bilingual paraeducators, and family liaisons have been trained. School administrators are responsible for sharing this knowledge with their teams.
Protecting Our LGBTQIA+ Community
The president has signed two executive orders related to gender identity and equity in K-12 schools. The first limits federal recognition to two genders and restricts federal funding for certain gender-affirming medical treatments. The second directs federal agencies to review gender and equity practices in schools and submit plans within 90 days.
The gender recognition order applies only to federal agencies. Washington state law recognizes a spectrum of gender identities and requires public schools to support transgender students and staff. Highline remains committed to upholding these protections.
Highline Board Policies 3205, 3207, 3210, 5010 and 5011 reinforce our commitment to preventing discrimination and sexual harassment in accordance with state law and Title IX. Additionally, Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211 outline our ongoing dedication to creating a safe, supportive and affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ students, families and staff.
As federal agencies release their plans over the next three months, we will carefully review any potential impact on our schools. However, our priority remains unchanged: fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students and staff while upholding state and district policies.
Resources & Next Steps for Families
We encourage families to update their contact and emergency information. In a critical situation, having accurate contact info allows us to reach you or a designated emergency contact quickly. If you haven’t already completed online verification, you can do so through your ParentVUE account. If you need assistance, please call your school’s office.
If you or someone you know needs resources or support, visit our family resource webpages:
We expect additional executive orders related to K-12 education, as well as potential legal changes through Congress and the courts. We will continue to monitor these developments and keep you informed if there are any necessary adjustments to our policies or practices.
For now, our approach to supporting student learning and well-being remains unchanged. Looking ahead, our commitment to valuing, respecting, and serving the diverse students in our care is unwavering.
Living the Promise,
Dr. Ivan Duran
Superintendent
Highline Public Schools