Dear Tiger Community,
We know that several of you have encountered questions around the new orders from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the removal of schools as "sensitive locations". The Jerome School District in conjunction with the Jerome Police Department wanted to release a statement to inform and prevent misconceptions within our community.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as we navigate our way through this:
1. All students have a right to a free and public education in the United States regardless of immigration status.
2. The Jerome School District does not collect or keep information on undocumented students. We have no records that indicate who these students are.
3. Per policy we do not allow our students to leave with anyone who is not listed on their emergency contact list giving them permission to take that student except for legal matters.
4. For multiple safety reasons we do not give out any information about any student in our schools. This would include even confirmation that they are in our schools unless they produce a warrant.
5. For clarification, Department of Homeland Security released a statement: Removal policy begins with the top priority of national security threats, convicted felons, gang members, and illegal entrants apprehended at the border; the second-tier priority on those convicted of significant or multiple misdemeanors and those who are not apprehended at the border, but who entered or reentered this country unlawfully after January 1, 2014; and the third priority on those who are non-criminals but who have failed to abide by a final order of removal issued on or after January 1, 2014. Under this revised policy, those who entered illegally prior to January 1, 2014, who never disobeyed a prior order of removal, and were never convicted of a serious offense, will not be priorities for removal.
6. We have heard misconceptions from the community that parents are not sending students to school to prevent the immigration process. School attendance is mandatory. Our schools are still the safest place for students in our community and the best way for them to achieve their goals regardless of their status.
7. The Mission of the Jerome Police Department is to “Keep the City Safe, Be Proactive, Provide Excellent Service, and Contribute to a Positive Work Environment.” All of our police department members take pride in their contributions to the safety of our community and our schools. We believe the best place for the children of our community to be is in the schools, gaining the education that will allow them to succeed in their goals, and become great community members. It is the intent of the Jerome Police Department to strike a balance between ensuring the security of the community and respecting the civil rights of all people. Per our policy, the Jerome Police Department is committed to equal service to the people in our community regardless of immigration status.
We hope this helps answer some questions and give some guidance. We will continue to update you as new information comes to our attention.
In collaboration and teamwork
The Jerome School District and Jerome Police Department
Jerome Police Department
223 1st Ave East
Jerome, ID 83338
208-324-4328
