Immigration Resources for Staff

Dear PPS staff,

We understand that the upcoming federal leadership transition may bring feelings of uncertainty for people in our community. This is especially true for many immigrants and people in marginalized communities. We also know that many of our students and families are experiencing similar feelings of fear and unease.

At Portland Public Schools, our commitment to equity and the inherent dignity of every individual remains steadfast. Our top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff, and we will continue to work tirelessly to uphold that responsibility. We are committed to upholding Oregon law prohibiting state and local law enforcement from arresting or detaining people based only on immigration status. Additionally, Oregon law protects student educational records from use for immigration actions.

You may be wondering how best to support your students and colleagues during this time. We are collaborating closely with regional partners, including Multnomah County, TriMet, Multnomah Education Service District, and numerous community-based organizations to coordinate resources, share information, and provide the support our community needs. We will keep you updated with additional guidance and resources as they become available.

In the meantime, we encourage you to consider how you can listen, show compassion, and create a safe, welcoming space for students and families. Students and families may need access to resources, opportunities to connect with one another, or simply reassurance from staff that they are valued and integral members of our community. We also encourage families to create a family safety plan that includes emergency contact names and numbers.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to our students, families, and colleagues during these challenging times.