durham public schools

DPS Emphasizes Protections for Immigrant Students and Families

In addition to outlining legal protections, the district is launching a new outreach effort to connect directly with immigrant families.

Southpoint Access

19 Sep 2025 — 3 min read

Durham Public Schools (DPS) on Friday reiterated its commitment to protecting immigrant students and families amid ongoing concerns about federal immigration enforcement.

In a statement, Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis outlined the district’s legal obligations and operational safeguards, aiming to reassure families that DPS schools remain safe, inclusive, and focused on student well-being.

While DPS cannot alter federal immigration policy, the district emphasized that immigration status has no bearing on a child’s right to a public education. Dr. Lewis cited the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Plyler v. Doe, which guarantees public education access to all children, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

“Every student, regardless of background, receives a quality education in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment,” the statement read. “This is the right of every DPS scholar, and we will continue to uphold that promise.”

District Safeguards and Legal Protections

Key protections highlighted in the statement include:

Student Privacy: DPS does not collect or store immigration-related information, and student records are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The district only releases records when legally required to do so.
Access Control: All school buildings use controlled entry protocols. Even law enforcement officials must follow district procedures before entering campus.
Response to Immigration Officials: The district confirmed that immigration officers are not permitted to enter non-public areas of any school or access students without a valid judicial warrant reviewed by the Superintendent’s Office and legal counsel. DPS has internal procedures for responding to such situations, though the details are not publicly shared for security reasons.
Communication with Families: If an incident were to occur that impacts students or families, DPS stated that it would notify those affected in a timely and appropriate manner.

At this time, DPS has reported no instances of immigration enforcement activity on its campuses.

New Outreach Initiative: Café con Pan Dulce

In addition to outlining legal protections, the district is launching a new outreach effort to connect directly with immigrant families. In partnership with El Centro Hispano and El Futuro, DPS will host a series of informal gatherings called Café con Pan Dulce, aimed at building trust and creating space for open dialogue.

These sessions will be conducted in Spanish with English interpretation available. Families will have the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and engage directly with district leadership. Those interested in participating can contact claudia_acevedo-sanh@dpsnc.net.

Emphasis on Belonging

The statement concludes by reinforcing the district’s position that DPS schools are spaces where every student is supported and respected: “Durham Public Schools is and will remain a community where everyone is welcome and belongs.”