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* ’* 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.