What should KY principals do if immigration enforcement officials come to local schools?
Now that immigration enforcement is allowed by federal authorities at schools, Fayette County is at least the second Kentucky school district sending principals instructions on what to do if government officials come to their building for that purpose.
The Courier-Journal in Louisville reported that Jefferson County school principals received similar instructions.
On President Donald Trump’s first full day in the White House, Department of Homeland Security officials rescinded a 2011 policy that prevented Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from conducting enforcement at schools and churches, USA TODAY reported.
“The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense,” a DHS spokesperson said.
On Wednesday, Fayette district officials sent principals and office staff instructions on how to respond to non-emergency visits from government officials, district spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith. said.
Fayette school office staff were told to notify school law enforcement officers and their administrator. Administrators were directed to seek guidance from the district legal office.
“Advise the (government) officials what the Legal Office instructs you to say. Do not disclose student information to the official unless our attorneys instruct you to do so,” the instructions for administrators said.
“Except in situations involving allegations of child abuse or unless specifically directed by the official not to do so, contact the parents of the student in question to let them know that the official(s) came to school and what the Legal Office has advised you to do.”
The guidance does not apply to child protection workers, military recruiters and probation officers, the instructions said.
To date, no non-emergency government officials have appeared at any FCPS schools in response to any federal announcements, Davidson-Smith said Thursday.
Also, Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins told the Herald-Leader Thursday, “‘We do not request or collect information regarding the immigration or citizenship status of our students, nor does any public school in the commonwealth.’ “
On Thursday Liggins told families in a letter that “we recognize the growing fear and uncertainty due to ongoing national discussions about changes to immigration policies.”
“We believe all students deserve the opportunity to learn without fear and to feel valued and respected as members of our school community,” he said.
“While we recognize our diverse community includes a range of perspectives and beliefs, we are united in our efforts to protect the safety of every child and staff member,” Liggins said.
He said he would continue to monitor any changes in federal and state laws and directives closely and keep all lines of communication open between home and school.
Kentucky Department of Education officials did not immediately say whether other Kentucky districts were sending administrators similar instructions.
This story was originally published January 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM.