Detroit Schools Offer Virtual Option Amid Immigration Enforcement Concerns

Virtual Schooling Offers Relief Amid Immigration Concerns

Amidst growing fears of immigration enforcement actions, the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is providing a virtual learning alternative for families hesitant to send their children to school in person. This initiative, highlighted by Superintendent Nikolai Vitti during a recent school board meeting, aims to cater not only to immigrant families but to any household seeking this option.

During a DPSCD school board finance committee meeting, Vitti emphasized the accessibility of the virtual program for all families. “The virtual option is there for any family, not just those that are fearful,” he stated.

This development follows heightened concerns due to a policy change by the Trump administration, which eliminated the longstanding designation of schools, childcare centers, and other institutions as “sensitive” locations, potentially opening the door to federal immigration arrests in these areas. For more on this change, visit here.

Across Michigan, efforts are being made to safeguard students by collaborating with schools. Recently, the Michigan Department of Education issued guidance to assist schools in addressing immigration-related concerns, as detailed by Chalkbeat here. The guidance document is available here.

Enrollment in DPSCD’s virtual school is traditionally open at the start of the academic year and again at the beginning of the second semester. However, Vitti noted that enrollment might be extended for families seeking safer educational environments for their children in light of current events.

In response to the changing landscape, Vitti plans to distribute detailed instructions on managing potential encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at school premises. This is part of a broader training initiative targeting key school personnel, including principals and security staff, to prepare them for any such incidents.

Community concerns were voiced by activists like Helen Moore who called for protective measures for students. The district has a policy, established in 2019, that requires a judicial warrant for immigration officials to access school buildings. Vitti reiterated this stance and emphasized the legal rights schools possess regarding their premises.

With the Trump administration introducing policies that could affect federal funding tied to diversity and inclusion programs, Vitti anticipates challenges ahead. He acknowledged the potential “chaos” and “anxiety” these measures could induce within the community and assured that communication would be key to managing these uncertainties.

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