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Notice of Student and Family Rights Under NY Education & Immigration Law 3201

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Ossining School District is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment for all children. Under New York State law, every child between the ages of 5 and 21 has a constitutional right to a free public education, regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, or immigration status.

To protect your child's education and privacy, our district strictly complies with N.Y. Education Law § 3201-b. Please review your family’s protected rights and our district protocols below:

  • Equal Access to Education: Your child will never be denied enrollment, a free public education, or participation in school programs based on actual or perceived immigration status, citizenship status, or national origin.
  • Enrollment Protections: During registration, the school will never ask for or require passports, green cards, visas, Social Security numbers, or any other documentation indicating immigration status.
  • Privacy and Record Protection: Student records are confidential. The district will not share student or family information—including citizenship or immigration status—with immigration enforcement agencies (such as ICE) unless mandated by a legally valid, signed judicial warrant or court order.
  • Protocol for Immigration Officials: School staff are prohibited from allowing immigration officials onto school grounds, sharing records, or releasing custody of a student unless the official presents a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge. Administrative or civil immigration warrants are not accepted.
  • Safe Emergency Care: In the unexpected event that a parent or guardian is detained or unavailable, the district will ensure your child remains safely on school premises. We will exhaustively attempt to contact your designated emergency contacts before involving any outside child welfare services.

What You Can Do:

Please ensure the school always has your most up-to-date emergency contact information. You may designate trusted relatives, friends, or neighbors who are authorized to pick up your child if you are unavailable.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these rights, please contact your child’s school or the district registration office.

Sincerely yours,

Mary Fox-Alter