Dr. Alex Marrero
Posted February 20, 2025
This has been an incredibly difficult month for our community. On Tuesday, Jan. 21, the Department of Homeland Security announced the repeal of the 2021 immigration enforcement guidelines, which had previously protected sensitive locations—such as schools—from immigration enforcement actions. This change has sparked confusion and concern, not just within Denver Public Schools, but across the nation.
As we grapple with the uncertainty created by shifting federal policies and Executive Orders, our community has been further tested. On Wednesday, Feb. 5, immigration arrests took place in neighborhoods near our schools, impacting many of our families and students. In moments like these, it’s more important than ever that we come together—checking in on one another, offering support, and standing strong for our students, families, and staff who are navigating fear, anxiety, and grief.
We are resolute in our shared core value of students first.
Now, more than ever, we must remain united in our commitment to what matters most: supporting one another and ensuring our most vulnerable members have the resources they need to process the difficult events of the past few weeks.
As the leader of Colorado’s largest school district, I’ve heard from countless members of our community concerned about how these changes will affect the way government officials engage with our schools. Let me be clear: I am unwavering in my commitment to ensuring that Denver Public Schools remains a safe and supportive environment for all students, families, and staff.
Regardless of immigration status, national origin, race, or religion, every member of our community deserves a safe place to learn, grow, and thrive.
In June 1982, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision in Plyler v. Doe, a landmark decision that said that states cannot deny students a free public education on account of their immigration status. For more than 40 years, this decision has ensured equal access to education for all children regardless of their status.
To continue to protect our school communities Denver Public Schools filed a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on Wednesday, Feb. 12, to prevent the Department of Homeland Security from removing the sensitive location status of our schools. The emergency filing comes in the wake of the ICE arrests near some of our schools, which caused distress throughout our community.
We simply cannot keep going on like this. Our goal is to create a future where, each and every day—whether it’s tomorrow, the day after, or in the weeks and months ahead—we wake up with certainty, knowing that the pulse of our schools is steady and secure. We want our students to feel that the classroom is more than just a place to learn, but a safe haven where they can thrive, discover their potential, and build the foundation for their futures, free from worry or doubt. It’s about ensuring that every student can walk through those doors with confidence, knowing they are embraced and supported in their journey.
We are resolute in our shared core value of students first. We will continue to fight for the safety and well-being of every student, especially those who are most vulnerable. All students have the right to feel safe in their schools, regardless of their immigration status or that of their families.
Denver Public Schools is proud to be the first district to file a TRO, but we hope this will inspire other districts across the country to take action to protect their own communities. This filing is a clear statement that DPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all students, and we will continue to take every necessary step to uphold our educational mission.
Our work is far from over. We will continue to provide ongoing training and guidance to our staff to ensure our schools remain safe spaces for learning. These efforts are grounded in our existing district policies, including:
- DPS Administrative Policy KI: Ensuring only authorized individuals enter our schools, with all visitors reporting to the office and receiving clearance before proceeding
- DPS Administrative Policy JIH: Prohibiting federal immigration law enforcement activities on DPS property, during school hours, or on school transportation routes unless a valid search warrant or exigent circumstances exist.
- FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) safeguards student privacy by limiting access to student records, and ensures DPS does not collect or share immigration status information.
While our staff are expected to follow these policies, it is important to note that our staff can not impede or obstruct government officials in carrying out their duties as required by law.
We remain steadfast in our resolve: to protect our students, to stand for justice, and to ensure that all who enter our schools know they are welcome, supported, and safe. Our work continues—and together, we will rise to meet any challenges that lie ahead.
Dr. Alex Marrero has served as the Superintendent of Denver Public Schools since Spring 2021.
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