Commitment to All Students

This is a challenging period for many of our students and families and we want to reassure you that at this time, more than ever, we remain committed to these values. We will continue to provide safe and inclusive environments for all of our students and value their diverse backgrounds, cultures, and voices.

As you may know, Mayor Bowser recently reaffirmed Washington, DC’s status as a sanctuary city. Mayor Bowser stated: “Being a sanctuary city means we are not an agent of the federal government…It means that our police can focus on serving DC residents –protecting and serving them– no matter their immigration status.” We support Mayor Bowser’s statement and also commit to protect and serve all Center City students. We will not collect information related to student and family immigration status and will protect our students’ privacy rights to the greatest extent of the law.

Below are some responses to frequently asked questions related to immigrant students and their families.

Will Center City ask about students’ immigration status during the enrollment or re-enrollment process?

No. Children have a constitutionally protected right to equal access to education, regardless of their parents’ immigration status or their own. Therefore, Center City will not ask about a student’s immigration status.

Will Center City ask for proof of residency during the enrollment or re-enrollment process?

Yes. We will still ask for proof of residency, but will not request information related to immigration status.

Will Center City share my immigration status with anyone?

No. Center City does not ask for that information and staff would not share it if they become aware of a student’s immigration status.

What should I do if I feel like I have been the victim of discrimination or harassment?

Please report the behavior immediately to a supervisor or school leader. Center City is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and
dignity. Center City PCS does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender
identity or expression, family status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence, or any other protected characteristics as established by law.

Where should I go if I need language access assistance?

If you need language assistance, contact your campus Operations Manager. Center City has a Language Access Coordinator who speaks Spanish and can help parents who speak other languages access translation services.

What should I do if I have questions about my immigration rights?

Consult an immigration attorney for questions about your immigration status. Families can also find immigration legal help on the Immigration Advocate Network’s national directory of more than 950 free or low-cost nonprofit immigration legal service providers in all 50 states. The searchable directory can be found online at https://www.immigrationlawhelp.org. You may also seek legal guidance by contacting the American Immigration Lawyers Association at http://www.aila.org/.