Commitment to Protecting the Rights of All Students

Updates from District 97

Oct. 9, 2025

In light of heightened federal enforcement activity in our area, we have received questions about what to do if you encounter federal officials on District 97 property.

If this occurs, please follow the same visitor guidelines we use every day:

  • Do not allow anyone into the building. Do not open or prop doors for anyone at any time.
     
  • Direct all visitors to the front office of the school. Visitors should not walk through the building to reach the front office; they must use the main entrance.
     
  • Notify the front office immediately if you see any suspicious individuals. Be prepared to describe the person(s) and their last known location.
    • IMPORTANT: If you believe there is an immediate threat to student/staff safety, please contact the Oak Park Police Department.
       
  • Do not engage. Allow school/district administrators to respond. They are trained to meet with any visitors and determine the appropriate next steps.

These guidelines are in place to protect the safety of our students, staff, and community while following state and federal requirements as well as the Board of Education’s Visitor Policy.

Fall 2025

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 remains committed to being a safe and welcoming place for every student and family, regardless of immigration status. Since we first shared information in January 2025, we have continued to strengthen our preparation and update the resources available to our community.

Over the past several months, we have:

  • Reviewed and refreshed our resource links to ensure families can easily access accurate, up-to-date guidance on immigration-related rights and protections.
  • Worked with school and district leaders to review procedures and ensure consistent, legally compliant practices across all 10 schools.
  • Provided updated guidance for principals and staff so they know how to respond appropriately and minimize disruption if immigration enforcement actions were ever to occur.
  • Coordinated with community partners to align messaging and practices, ensuring families receive clear, consistent information and support (including the Immigration Resources page published by the Village of Oak Park)

Our work remains bound by the District 97 Board of Education’s policies, which ensure that no student or family is discriminated against, harassed, or bullied because of their race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, or immigration status. We are committed to upholding hose policies throughout the school year including during the registration process.

Key Points to Know

  • District 97 does not ask for or collect immigration status when students enroll, and immigration status has no impact on the education a student receives.
  • We do not share student or family immigration status or student records with immigration officials unless required by a valid court order.
  • Immigration enforcement personnel must present a criminal warrant signed by a judge to enter schools or other district facilities.
  • Staff have been prepared to respond in ways that protect students’ rights and keep the learning environment as undisturbed as possible.

For publicly available information and resources on immigrant rights and related topics, please see the updated links on this page.