The Greater Amsterdam School District is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every student. We recognize that recent changes and discussions surrounding immigration policies may cause uncertainty and concern for families within our community.

New York State guidance has been released to all school districts regarding safeguarding the rights of immigrant students.

Additionally, we have shared the advice from our attorneys with all of our principals and administrators about their rights and responsibilities when law enforcement officials, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, come to school seeking to question a student on district property.

Law enforcement officers may only question a student under the following conditions:

They have a lawfully issued warrant providing court-authorized access to a student, or
With consent from a parent or guardian, or
If the student is accused of committing a crime on school property, and school or district personnel invite law enforcement officers to investigate

If none of the criteria are met, officers will not be allowed to speak to a student on school property. Administrators have been instructed on the appropriate procedures to follow in such situations.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your child’s school building.