Duluth Public Schools Superintendent releases statement in response to ICE being in Twin Ports-area
John Magas
(Duluth Public Schools)
DULUTH, Min,. – Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas sent a message to parents in the district titled, “Our Commitment to Student Safety and Belonging.”
The statement said in part, “We understand that many in our community are currently experiencing fear and uncertainty regarding immigration enforcement. While we cannot control the actions of outside agencies, we want to be clear: as long as students are in our care, we will do everything we can to provide a safe and welcoming environment.”
A school district spokesperson told FOX21 there was no specific incident that triggered the statement. But they added, “We felt the need to send something to our families and staff after reports of ICE being in the Twin Ports area.”
FULL STATEMENT:
At Duluth Public Schools, we believe every student, every day has a right to a public education in a welcoming, safe, and nurturing environment. We are fortunate to live in a community where neighbors show up for one another, and our schools serve as the foundation for that sense of belonging.
We understand that many in our community are currently experiencing fear and uncertainty regarding immigration enforcement. While we cannot control the actions of outside agencies, we want to be clear: as long as students are in our care, we will do everything we can to provide a safe and welcoming environment.
Our district adheres to strict protocols to ensure our schools remain places of learning and support:
• Equal Access to Education: Public schools must treat all students equally, regardless of immigration status. We do not ask for or maintain records regarding a family’s immigration status during enrollment.
• Privacy Protections: We comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. We do not provide student records to outside agencies without a valid judicial warrant or court order.
• Restricted Access: Without a judicial arrest warrant, outside agencies like ICE do not have the authority to demand access to a student at school. Our staff are trained to notify administration and legal counsel immediately if such requests are made.
• Supportive Resources: While district employees cannot provide legal advice, we are committed to connecting families with local resources for food, housing, and legal support, just as we do for any family facing insecurity.
• Our Family Engagement Framework is rooted in relational trust. We view families as equal partners in their child’s education. By honoring the lived experiences and cultural knowledge of our community, we create a shared responsibility for every student’s academic and social success.
• Our school leaders and teams are dedicated to managing difficult situations with professionalism and connecting with families on an individual basis to provide support and cultivate a strong sense of belonging. We will continue to stay true to our mission of empowering every student with learning opportunities for growth, creativity, and curiosity.
The safety of students and staff is a top priority to Duluth Public Schools.
Sincerely,
John Magas
Superintendent
Duluth Public Schools
