Newark Schools Host Immigrant Outreach Workshops

NEWARK, NJ — Newark’s public school administrators say that the district is committed to giving all of its students access to a quality public education, “regardless of their immigration status.”

As part of the school district’s ongoing outreach efforts to the local community, administrators hosted an “immigrant rights workshop” earlier this month at Barringer High School in Newark, the latest in a series of public events throughout the district that have been attended by hundreds of Newark families.

Immigrant students and families in Newark can learn more about their civil rights here.

During the April 4 workshop, Newark Municipal Councilmember Carlos Gonzalez, immigration attorney Masiel Valntin and staff from local groups UndocuJersey and Faith in NJ spoke with Newark families about their immigration rights, the college admissions process and resources and support services that are available in the community.

• See related article: Newark ICE Grants Immigrant Grandpa Deportation Stay

“Newark Public Schools is committed to giving all of our students, regardless of their immigration status, access to a quality public education,” said Newark Schools Superintendent Christopher Cerf, who recently issued a letter assuring all undocumented families that their right to education in Newark would not be affected by recent political events.

“All of our families play an integral role in making Newark great, and it is important that we work together as a community to provide a sense of safety and reassurance in these uncertain times," Cerf stated.

According to Newark Public School District officials, the district began hosting workshops in December 2016 in response to feedback that families were in search of resources about immigrant rights. A majority of workshops are conducted in Spanish, while English speakers are equipped with interpretation devices.

Newark officials will continue to hold this series of workshops through April 2017.

• See related article: Will Newark's 'Sanctuary' Stance On Immigration Draw Trump's Wrath?
• See related article: Newark Schools Program Helps Undocumented Immigrant Students

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