Immigration Information & Resources
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As required by law, Hays Consolidated Independent School District provides equal educational opportunities to all students who are eligible to attend the District. In compliance with those laws, Hays CISD does not and will not deny enrollment based on a student’s immigration status.
The Hays CISD District Board of Trustees recognizes the local education concerns that have been raised by the national debate on, and the implementation and enforcement of, current immigration laws. On Monday, February 20, 2017, in an effort to alleviate these concerns, while also carrying out its duties as set forth by law and Board policies, the Hays CISD Board passed a resolution expressing its position on the matter.
School Board Immigration Resolution
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The Hays CISD Board resolution expresses the same legal tenets found in the mission of the Texas public education system: to ensure that all Texas children have access to a quality education that enables them to achieve their full potential and fully participate now and in the future in the social, economic, and educational opportunities in Texas and the nation. As stated in the Texas Education Code, that mission is grounded on the conviction that a general diffusion of knowledge is essential for the welfare of Texas and for the preservation of the liberties and rights of Texas citizens.
READ THE RESOLUTION
Common Questions
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Special thank you to our neighbor Austin ISD for preparing a comprehensive list of common questions. We have adopted many of their questions and answers - adjusted, of course, to reflect information specific to Hays CISD.
Click on the > to view the answer to the question.
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Does a child's immigration status affect his or her ability to attend Hays CISD schools?
No. Hays CISD provides a public education to all children who reside within the district's boundaries, or are otherwise eligible to enroll in the District, regardless of the student's or parents' immigration status. As the U.S. Supreme Court has stated, undocumented children and children of undocumented parents have the same right to attend Hays CISD as do other eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Citation: Plyer vs. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982)
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Does Hays CISD collect information about student and parent immigration status and report that information to anyone?
No. Hays CISD does not collect immigration information about our students or families because it does not change the district's obligation to educate eligible students.
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I have a student at Hays CISD and I am worried that he or she will be bullied or harassed because of what is happening nationally. What should I do?
Hays CISD does not tolerate bullying or harassment of any kind. If you believe your child has experienced bullying or harassment, please visit the district's webpage for instructions to report bullying and harassment.
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I have been approached by Hays CISD families and staff members looking for information about immigration and support services. What resources are available?
Hays CISD is a public school district focused on education and, as such, the District provides a variety of resources for all students, including refugee students, immigrant students and English language learners. The Department of Bilingual, ESL, and Migrant Programs may be able to assist with specific school-related issues and concerns.
Additionally, the external links provided at right may be of assistance to students and families who are in need of additional resources.
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I work for Hays CISD and an outside group has asked me to distribute documents to my students. What resources, if any, can be given to students?
District staff may not directly distribute non-school materials to students or send such information home. However, such outside resources, including literature, brochures, and pamphlets, may be made available at your campus on the table or bulletin board designated for non-school materials. However, remember that these materials must be submitted to the public information office for prior review in accordance with Hays CISD Board Policy GKDA (Local).
If you have any questions, please contact the chief communication officer: tim.savoy@hayscisd.net.
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I am a Hays CISD employee and would like to participate in some political activities regarding national events. Is this ok?
Yes, Hays CISD employees can engage in political activities on their own time and using their own resources. Under state law and district policy, using any school district resources, including copy machines and email, to participate in such political activity is strictly prohibited.
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I teach for Hays CISD and I think current events would make a meaningful lesson plan. Can I discuss these topics in the classroom?
Maybe, depending on what you are assigned to teach. For example, political activities and differing viewpoints may be appropriate in government, sociology, humanities, debate, world cultures, and history classes. In any such class discussions, teachers should be careful not to take one side in the discussion and should ensure respectful class discussions that include opposing viewpoints. As government employees, Hays CISD may not give the appearance of taking sides while on the job. While this can be difficult, it is important to remember there are impassioned views on both sides of the current issues. As public school educators, we must practice and exhibit respectful and fair behavior.
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I work at a Hays CISD school. What should I do if a law enforcement officer comes to a school?
If law enforcement officials, including ICE officers, come to the campus, they should be referred to the campus administrator. That administrator may request verification of the officer’s identity and evidence of legal authority to engage in law enforcement at a school, such as a written directive by an authorized superior or a signed warrant.
School personnel are not permitted to interfere with lawful law enforcement activity. Doing so could subject yourself to possible arrest. Please notify the superintendent's office immediately if a law enforcement officer is attempting to access the campus and you believe they lack proper authority to do so.
Resource Links
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These links direct you to organizations not affiliated with Hays CISD. The information there has been created, published, maintained or otherwise posted by these organizations, and Hays CISD does not vet, endorse, approve, certify or control these external web sites, so does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, or timeliness of information located at such addresses.
Hays CISD cannot provide legal advice to students or families and use of any information obtained from such non-district web addresses is voluntary. Any reliance the information at these sites should only be undertaken after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, efficacy and timeliness.
Education Austin Resources for Educators
Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE)