Resources for Immigrant Families
Regional School District 19 and the State of Connecticut want all students at E. O. Smith to feel welcomed, respected, and valued.
All children residing in the United States have a right to public education regardless of race, color, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, or the status of their parents/guardians. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed this right more than 30 years ago when it ruled, in Plyer v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982), that it is unconstitutional for states to deny students access to a free public education based on their immigration status. All families, however, must be prepared to ensure children are safe in the case of any unplanned emergency. Please be proactive and follow the Guidelines for Planning:
The Governor of Connecticut and the Connecticut State Department of Education recommend the following resources for families who are concerned about how the immigration status of parents and children may affect the safety of children.
Here are additional links that may be useful to families:
The following organizations provide direct legal services:
Displaced Immigrants
The Connecticut Department of Education provided resources to support districts anticipating an influx of homeless families.
Meeting the Educational Needs of Students Displaced by Disasters