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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (May 14, 2014)
Page 6 * ’* Ç u rtla n b <©b«eruer CAREERS Special May 14, 2014 Schools Must Serve All Children Immigration status can’t be used to deny enrollment The Obama administration issued guidance Thursday to remind pub lic school districts that children can not be denied an education based on their or their parents’ immigra tion status. The guidance states that school districts should be flexible in ac cepting documents from parents to prove a child’s age and to show that a child lives within a school’s atten dance area. It also provides specific examples of the types of documents that many schools have accepted to prove a child’s age or residence. A letter with information about the new guidance was sent out to states and school districts. “We want to be sure every school leader understands the legal require ments under the Constitution and federal laws, and it is our hope that this update will address some of the misperceptions out there,” Depart- Office o f Civil Rights has received 17 complaints o f school leaders act ing “inappropriately.” Those com plaints came from all over the coun try, including Colorado, North Caro lina, Ohio, Michigan, New Mexico, and Louisiana. “In several instances, school leaders are inappropriately requir ing information that may be barring or discouraging students from ever enrolling in school,” Duncan said. “That behavior is unacceptable and it must change.” Attorney General Eric Holder echoed Duncan’s remarks. “We have continued to hear trou bling reports of actions being taken by school districts around the coun try that have a chilling effect on school enrollment, raising barriers for un documented children and children Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Attorney General Eric Holder meet with a preschool class from immigrant families who seek to prior to participating in a discussion earlier this year on the importance of universal access to receive the public education to which preschool. Thursday, the officials reminded school districts they cannot deny an education based they are entitled,” he said on the on their parent’s immigration status. conference call with reporters. ment of Education Secretary Arne the Department of Justice and the sion made it clear that public schools Holder said public school dis Duncan said, “The message here is Department of Education issued must provide all children equal ac- tricts “have an obligation to enroll clear. let all children who live in your similar guidance in 2011 to help cess to an education regardless of students regardless of immigration d istric t en ro ll in your public schools understand their responsi- immigration status, status and without discrimination schools.” bilities under the Supreme Court’s But Duncan said that despite the on the basis of race, color, or na The new guidance comes after decision in Plylerv. Doe. That deci- 2011 guidance, his department’s tional origin.” An artists’ rendering shows the new Beauchamp Recre ation and Wellness Center coming to the University of Portland campus in north Portland. With more than 60 different degree and certificate programs, Portland Community College’s Cascade Campus is one of the premier training and educational resources for professionals and business owners in North/Northeast Portland. Whether you’re looking to start a career, change careers, or launch your own business, Cascade Campus has what you need. Registration for Summer Term 2014 starts May 20, and classes begin June 23 For more information, visit www.pcc.edu/cascade or pay us a visit at 705 North Killingsworth Street. Advertise with diversity in7lie Portland Observer Call 503-288-0033 ads@portlandobserver.com Campus Recreation Center Coming A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday for a new recre ation and wellness center on the University of Portland campus in north Portland. Named in recognition of the school’s retiring president, Rev. E. William Beauchamp, the center is estimated to cost $23 million and will be constructed entirely from donor-supported funding, school officials said. Set to open in early fall next year, the building is expected to become a dynam ic focal point on campus and enhance the physical and mental health o f students, faculty, and staff. Designs call for a m odern facility with state-of-the-art equip ment and space to accom m odate the growing university com munity. The center s main level will have three gyms, locker rooms, administrative office space, and an outdoor recreation area and bike shop. Overlooking the main floor will be treadmills and stationary bikes. There will also be three wood floor studios for spin and yoga classes. Suspended above all three recreational gyms will be a track designed so that eight laps equal a mile. There will also be a foot stretching area, foot wellness suite, and rock wall for climbing.
