MUKILTEO — More than a half-dozen school districts and colleges in Snohomish County have affirmed their commitment to making education available to everyone, regardless of immigration status.
The Mukilteo and Marysville school districts joined the list last week.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order Jan. 27 barring people from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. A federal judge temporarily halted the order Feb. 3. Many local families still have concerns, however, including Latinos. Throughout his campaign, Trump made clear he would seek more deportations than his predecessor.
Rumors spread at schools in Mukilteo that students’ education could be disrupted as a result of their immigration status, Superintendent Marci Larsen said in a letter sent to families Friday. Teachers and staff are not allowed to ask students about their immigration status, she said. Many local police departments operate under similar guidelines.
School districts in Everett, Edmonds and Lake Stevens, as well as Edmonds and Everett community colleges, also have published statements to that effect.
Officials in the Snohomish School District are drafting a statement to present to the school board before sharing it with families, spokeswoman Kristin Foley said.
Staff at the Granite Falls School District have been told that if any questions arise, they should make clear that all students are welcome, a spokeswoman said.
In a letter to parents, published in English, Spanish and Russian, Marysville Superintendent Becky Berg wrote that everyone has the right to education.
“The diversity of our student body, our community and our staff is a strength that benefits all of us and should be celebrated,” she wrote.
Caitlin Tompkins: 425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
