Support for Immigrant Students and Families
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) remains steadfast in its commitment to providing all 57,000+ students with a safe, supportive, and welcoming learning environment. This dedication guides our efforts as we collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to support our students and families.
Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey Wright has reaffirmed that every Maryland student—regardless of immigration status—has the right to receive the educational support they need from their public school system. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) shared a webpage that serves as a centralized hub for schools, administrators, educators, and families seeking guidance or immigration-related concerns in school settings.
HCPSS policies and procedures, along with the State Superintendent’s guidance, continue to serve as the HCPSS foundation for fostering equity, access, and opportunity for all students.
HCPSS Information
Students, parents/guardians, and staff should know that:
- All children have a right to equal access to a free public education, regardless of their or their parents’ or guardians’ immigration status. The 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe ensures equal access to education for children regardless of status.
- While HCPSS requires proof of residency in Howard County to enroll in our schools, staff do not ask about a child’s immigration status. If school staff become aware that a student is undocumented, that information will not be reported to any other government agency. School staff are expected to maintain confidentiality of this and similar information.
- Federal and state laws protect education records and personal information. HCPSS will not release student information without consent from parents/guardians unless required to respond to a court order or subpoena.
- HCPSS does not tolerate bullying, harassment, discrimination or intimidation for any reason, including immigration status. Students, guardians and family members, and staff should promptly report any incident of bullying, harassment, or intimidation to school administrators and complete the online Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form.
- HCPSS will reach out to families should any federal agency contact an HCPSS school or the school system with a request for information about their student or their family.
- Families may add additional emergency contacts to their Family File at any time. If parents/guardians need assistance updating the Family File, please contact the school the children attend, and they can update it. HCPSS uses the emergency contact information when parents/guardians cannot be reached.
HCPSS staff will continue to monitor new developments at the local, state and federal level. We will work closely with county, state, and community partners to provide impacted students with needed supports. If you are aware of a student needing support, reach out to the school counselor or administrator who can coordinate assistance.
Resources
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has identified several resources for families:
- Parents/guardians can identify a “standby guardian” to care for their child if they are detained or deported, by completing this Maryland Judiciary form and provide a copy to schools, health care providers, and family members.
- Families trying to locate someone who has already been detained, may use the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainee locator.
- Legal assistance is available from a variety of sources, including immigration lawyers in private practice, accredited representatives (non-attorneys who assist individuals in immigration proceedings), and legal-aid organizations:
- Several immigration organizations have provided guidance related to preparing for and/or responding to immigration action:
The Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity has compiled Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum Seeker Resources, as well as information about the Howard County Liberty Act, on its website.
Local organizations in Howard County that provide support include:
- Luminus, provides immigration legal services
- Community Action Council, provides food assistance through HoCo Food Bank and SNAP application assistance
- Columbia Community Care, provides Howard County with food and community assistance, empowering individuals with access to essential resources and opportunities
- Maryland Legal Aid, provides a full range of free, civil legal services to financially eligible individuals from 12 office locations. Their legal work helps to protect peoples’ basic needs and human rights. Anne Arundel/Howard Office, 410-972-2700
If your organization is able to support HCPSS students and families, please email partnerships@hcpss.org.