Superintendent’s Statement on DACA Decision

On September 6, 2017, President Donald Trump’s administration announced a phased-in termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allows certain illegal immigrants who entered the country as minors to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and eligibility for a work permit.

A preliminary scope of the decision’s impact on DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) employees and students has not been immediately determined. DCSD awaits additional input and guidance from state and federal officials to determine how to proceed.

However, Superintendent/CEO R. Stephen Green has issued the following statement maintaining DCSD’s steadfast commitment to protecting the rights of all students in DeKalb County to receive a quality education, regardless of origin.

“Let us be clear: DeKalb County School District (DCSD), and this nation, draws its strength from its diversity. We do not support any legislation and will vigorously oppose any action that inhibits opportunities for children to receive a quality education, and to reach their potential. The dissolution of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program meets that criteria. It is wrong to eliminate an effective means of providing educational opportunities for children in the name of politics. The children that will be impacted by this decision do not deserve this result, and are being subjected to an environment where they must fear for their future instead of embracing it. DCSD encourages its community to share their feelings directly with their congressional representatives in hopes of reversing this troubling decision by our nation’s leaders.”

Also, in accordance with federal law, the District shall accept immigrants and non-visa-holders who meet age and residency requirements and shall not inquire about their legal status. A link to that Board Policy is here.