Anchorage School District Reaffirms Commitment to Education Rights
by pedro graterol
Amidst concerns about the possibility of an immigration crackdown, the Anchorage School district released a statement clarifying that they do not collect student’s immigration status, they will require judicially signed warrants to immigration officials and will ensure children have access to education regardless of their status.
Anchorage School District has issued a response amid heightened concerns about possible mass deportation under the new Trump administration. In a statement addressed to the community, Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt affirms that the district’s top priority is ensuring that “every school is a safe, welcoming, and supportive space for all students and families.”
The district emphasizes that, for more than 40 years, the U.S. Supreme Court has protected a child’s right to receive a public education regardless of immigration status. ASD officials stress that they proudly honor this commitment by providing access to education for all. Furthermore, as the statement explains, “the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects your child’s privacy by prohibiting ASD from sharing student-specific information with anyone other than the student’s parents or legal guardians.”
ASD’s protocols also underscore that “any immigration official seeking to enter ASD property will be required to present a judicially signed warrant,” which must be reviewed by the district’s legal counsel. According to the statement, this policy ensures compliance with federal law while protecting students’ rights.
Addressing community concerns, ASD also answered pressing questions about whether officials would share a student’s immigration status with federal authorities. The district’s response is: “No. ASD does not collect student immigration status information.” Similarly, it states that ASD neither asks for nor tracks this information at the time of enrollment.
Importantly, there is no impact on a student’s education if they are undocumented, as the district highlights the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe affirming that all students have a legal right to access public education.
The statement also notes the district’s careful monitoring of recent federal directives, including an OMB memorandum temporarily freezing certain federal assistance. Though rescinded on January 29th, 2025, ASD continues to observe developments surrounding executive orders that could affect K-12 education.
Superintendent Bryantt concludes: “Please know that we are dedicated to providing updates as we receive more information and will remain transparent in our efforts to prioritize the well-being of all students and staff.” The district reiterates also “ASD neither asks for immigration status nor tracks that status,” ensuring all families can confidently access public education. This stance remains rooted in their principle that every child deserves a safe and supportive learning experience.
