LWSD Statement on DACA

Lake Washington School District Statement on DACA

Sep 8 2017

All Lake Washington School District students have the right to public education. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Plyler vs. Doe (457 U.S. 202 (1982)) that undocumented children and young adults have the same right to attend public primary and secondary schools as do U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Lake Washington does not ask for or collect immigration status information.

Lake Washington remains committed to serving all students and providing educational opportunities for all. We will continue to uphold the U.S. Supreme Court ruling and serve all students, regardless of their status.

We understand that families and students are concerned by the uncertainty of the recent DACA announcement. Lake Washington cares deeply about all our students and families and remains committed to helping all students feel safe and welcome at school and achieve academic success. We also remain hopeful that Congress will work together to reach a bipartisan resolution on issues related to DACA.

Our state’s public education system exists to help all students learn. This foundational concept is clearly stated in Article IX, Section I of our state constitution:

“It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders, without distinction or preference on account of race, color, caste, or sex.”

Our staff remains committed to supporting every child’s emotional well-being, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that all students feel safe and welcomed at school.