Commitment to Protecting the Rights of All Students
.png)
District 97 is committed to maintaining safe, supportive, and welcoming learning environments where every student and family feels valued, respected, and cared for.
Our schools have established safety procedures, and staff are trained to follow clear protocols that support calm, coordinated responses in any situation. This page provides important information and resources related to immigration enforcement and our district’s ongoing safety preparedness efforts.
We are deeply grateful for the trust and partnership of our families and staff as we work together to ensure our schools remain inclusive, stable, and centered on student well-being. If you have questions or need additional support, we encourage you to contact your building principal.
Key Points to Know
- District 97 does not ask for or collect information about a student’s or family’s immigration status during enrollment, and immigration status does not affect a child’s access to education.
- Student records and personal information are protected by law. The district does not share information 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 are prepared to respond in ways that protect students’ rights while keeping the learning environment safe, calm, and as uninterrupted as possible.
Resources
- District 97 Board of Education Policies
- District 97 Student Enrollment Web Portal
- West40 Intermediate Service Center
- Village of Oak Park Immigration Resources
- Illinois Department of Human Services (Support Services)
- Illinois Department of Human Services (Community Agencies)
- Illinois Attorney General’s Office: Immigrant Rights
- Illinois State Board of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance on Immigration Enforcement Actions
- Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
What Families Can Do Right Now
We understand that conversations related to immigration enforcement can bring uncertainty and stress. District 97 schools remain safe, welcoming places for students, and there are simple steps families can take to feel prepared and supported.
Ensure your child’s emergency contact information is up to date in PowerSchool and with your school office. Consider adding alternate trusted adults who are authorized to pick up your child if needed. It may also be helpful to keep important phone numbers in an easily accessible place at home.
Reassure your child that they can continue coming to school safely and that staff are here to care for and support them. Encourage them to speak with a trusted adult at school if they have questions, concerns, or need reassurance.
The following resources may be helpful for families and educators navigating conversations about immigration and enforcement activity:
- How to Talk to Your Child about Immigration: Recommendations for Parents (InfoAboutKids.org)
- How to Talk to Your Kids About Immigration (Global Refuge)
- Talking to Kids About Immigration Enforcement in Their Communities (Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles)
Consider talking as a family about who children should contact and who can care for them if a parent or guardian is unavailable. Having a simple plan can provide peace of mind and reduce confusion during stressful situations.
Feelings of worry or anxiety are understandable. If your child or family needs additional support, school staff—including social workers and administrators—are available to help with care and compassion. Support is also available in multiple languages to ensure all families can access assistance comfortably.