Memo: NSEA Supports Assembly Bill 217

Educators, students, and families are understandably concerned about their safety and the well-being of their families and communities. With a new Executive Order reversing a ban on immigration enforcement at sensitive locations including schools, immigrant families are faced with increasing levels of fear and upheaval. Just the potential of immigration enforcement at school harms school environments including by causing increased absences, decreased student achievement, and parental disengagement.

It is the right of every child, regardless of immigration status, to access a free public K-12 education. This right was affirmed in model policies just issued by Nevada’s Attorney General. 

“Teachers, school administrators, and staff are already overburdened in our public schools, working diligently to make sure our children stay focused on their primary objective of learning. Allowing federal immigration agents to operate in our public schools will create unnecessary distraction for our children. This guidance helps keep schools free of invasive, civil immigration enforcement, so our educators are free to educate, and every student can enjoy a safe, secure learning environment.”

While Nevada continues to address the crisis of educator vacancies, it is important to keep in mind that many Nevada educators, from classroom teachers to the people who make our schools run, are DACA recipients. Immigration enforcement in school adds a layer of stress at work for these public servants and will only contribute to greater numbers of educator vacancies.

NSEA urges the Legislature to pass Section 1 of AB217 to protect all Nevada students, educators, families, and communities. Thank you.