With potential changes to immigration policies locally and nationally, at least one local school district is watching closely.

Responding to KRMG’s request for information on district policies, Tulsa Public Schools sent the following message, which was shared with families last week.

“Tulsa Public Schools is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all students, staff, and families. As a school district, our focus every day is on ensuring the highest quality learning environments for our students. Tulsa Public Schools remains committed to the right of every child to receive an education, and we will continue to support our students, their families, our staff, and school communities in that pursuit.

We are reviewing the January 21 statement issued by the Department of Homeland Security related to guidelines governing immigration enforcement actions. Specifically, we are reviewing the revisions to the classification of “sensitive sites.” The district is connecting with relevant agencies and community partners for clarity as a result of the new directive. We will update our stakeholders and school communities as we know more. Please know, the district currently follows an established process when engaging with any outside law enforcement agency, which principals and school officials implement whenever necessary.

Additionally, the district takes student data privacy and security very seriously and federal law requires that we keep student data private. There is no data collected by the district that would identify a student’s citizenship status. Further, federal law prohibits the district from asking a student about their immigration status or requesting documentation of U.S. Citizenship.

We understand that there are many unanswered questions. Tulsa Public Schools has created this form for families and community members to share concerns and pose questions. While we may not be able to answer every question, we are compiling inquiries and working to provide responses – or direct stakeholders to other agencies or organizations who may be able to provide guidance. You may submit your concerns anonymously or request a response from the district.

We would also like to remind families that it is always important to ensure your emergency contact(s) are up-to-date and on file with the district. A student’s guardian can provide a name and phone number (no address is required) of someone else to contact in case a parent/guardian is unreachable. You can update this information directly through your school’s attendance clerk. You may also visit the Enrollment Center at 2819 S. New Haven Ave. Identification to confirm that you are the parent or guardian of the student may be requested in order to make the updates.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please reach out to your school principal. Thank you for your continuing commitment to our students.”

On Tuesday, the Oklahoma State Board of Education unanimously passed a rule that would require schools to ask parents about immigration status or proof of citizenship when enrolling their children for school.

The rule would need to be approved by the state legislature and the governor before taking effect.