Immigrant Families
Pittsburgh Public Schools values the rich diversity of our students and is dedicated to ensuring that all students can learn in safe, supportive environments. The District is committed to properly following and administering all policies, laws, and regulations addressing bullying, racism and the protection of students.
Our District serves more than 1,000 English Language Learners, including a growing number of refugee students. We recognize that many families in our community may face concerns related to their ethnicity, immigration status, or citizenship.
We want to assure our community that Pittsburgh Public Schools is committed to upholding key Board Policies that protect our students and their rights:
This policy prohibits the District from inquiring about a student’s immigration status during the enrollment process, pursuant to 22 Pa. Code 11.11, and
This policy ensures that a student’s educational record cannot be shared without the written consent of a student’s parent, guardian or the student (if 18 or older), pursuant to 22 Pa. Code § 15.9 and 34 C.F.R. Part 99.
Any requests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to access student information or school grounds will be reviewed by the District’s Law Department and the Office of the Superintendent. ICE officials will not be granted access to any students without prior approval from the Law Department, which will require all relevant documentation.
Your Child’s Right to Attend School
Every child in the United States has the right to attend public school and receive a free education. This is true no matter where a child was born or the immigration status of the child or their family.
Families can feel confident that all children are welcome in public schools, and everyone in the United States has basic rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution.
Know Your Rights Cards (Red Cards)
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) offers free “Red Cards” to help people understand and assert their rights in different situations, including if immigration enforcement comes to a home.
These cards explain basic constitutional rights and can be shown to law enforcement to clearly state that you are choosing to exercise those rights. Many families find it helpful to carry a Red Card with them at all times.
Please find links below for Red Cards in your language. Additional languages are available for free on the ILRC website at https://www.ilrc.org/redcards#item-4475
Develop a Family Protection Plan
Develop a safety plan for your family and keep it in a safe place in case parents/guardians become unavailable due to arrest, detention, or some other reason. A good plan should include:
- Childcare Plan
- Updated Emergency Contact Information
- Where to find important family documents
Templates for Family Protection Plans may be found at
Immigrant Legal Resource Center Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan / Plan de Preparación Familiar: (Guía Completa) | Immigrant Legal Resource Center | ILRC
Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Center Visit our Family Protection Plan | Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Center