Broken Arrow Public Schools released a letter addressing their policies regarding sharing student data and citizenship status.

The letter states:

“Good afternoon,

Broken Arrow Public Schools is committed to creating and maintaining an environment where every student learns, every student is prepared, and every student belongs. Like schools across the nation, district officials in BAPS are reviewing the information issued by the Department of Homeland Security related to guidelines governing immigration enforcement actions. We are seeking clarity amidst the chaos and legal guidance so that we can continue to operate within the bounds of law.

We will update you as we know more, but please know we already have processes in place when engaging with law enforcement agencies. Identification is required of law enforcement officials who visit our campuses, parents/guardians are notified, and no student is ever left alone. Our processes for keeping students safe at school has not changed.

Regarding student data, the district takes privacy and security very seriously. Current federal and state law requires that we keep student data private, and there is no data collected by the district that would identify a student’s citizenship status. Further, the district does not ask a student about their immigration status or request documentation of U.S. Citizenship at the time of enrollment or otherwise. We do not intend to change these practices absent a law compelling us to do so.

As members of the Broken Arrow community, let’s not allow fear and misinformation to rule the day. Let’s commit to keeping open lines of communication, to asking questions when something seems unclear, and above all, to making sure that ALL students know they belong in our district. An education is the most powerful tool we can give them to change the world, so let’s work together for a better tomorrow.”

To review Broken Arrow Public Schools’ current policies on relationships with law enforcement and other legal agencies in regard to student interviews, click here.