Rochester, MN — At its scheduled meeting on February 3, the Rochester Public Schools (RPS) Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a resolution ratifying the district’s continued commitment to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students, regardless of immigration status.
The resolution formally supports recent communications and administrative guidance issued by Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel. These measures were developed in response to concerns regarding recent immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and their impact on student well-being and attendance.
"Access to education, student safety, and compliance with the law are essential to our mission," the Board stated in the resolution. "No District action, policy, or practice shall impede or discourage enrollment, attendance, or participation based on immigration concerns."
Key provisions of the resolution include:
Legal Compliance: Reaffirming the district's obligation under Plyler v. Doe to provide free public education to all students regardless of immigration status.
Privacy Protections: Strict adherence to the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, ensuring that the district does not collect or disclose private student data for immigration enforcement purposes.
Restricted Access: Maintaining a policy where civil immigration enforcement officials are denied access to non-public areas of district buildings, grounds, or transportation unless they present a valid judicial warrant or court order signed by a federal judge.
Support Services: A continued commitment to supporting affected families through mental health resources and connecting to community partnerships.
The resolution reinforces the RPS mission to equip every student with the knowledge, independence, and resilience to pursue a fulfilling path. By formalizing these protocols, the Board ensures that staff are properly trained and that the school environment remains focused on learning rather than fear or uncertainty.
“While many external circumstances change daily and can feel beyond our control, this resolution is a proactive step we are taking as a district to ensure stability for our families,” said Superintendent Pekel. “It also allows us to keep our practices transparent, consistent, and fully aligned with our values of building belonging and connection.”
The public may view the full text of the resolution and the associated administrative guidance on the Rochester Public Schools website at this link.
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