Skip To Main Content
Supporting immigrant and refugee students and families

A Message from Superintendent Greg Baker

Dear staff, students, families and community members,

We are receiving questions about what we can do in our schools and community to help support immigrant and refugee students and families.

I want to share a few resources as well as our stance in addressing these questions and concerns.

We welcome all families, and we want all students and families to feel welcome, safe and respected in our schools.

The Bellingham Promise guides our work, and two of our core beliefs are that “all children should be loved” and “diversity enhances a strong and healthy community.” Together, we all play an important role in building a culture of love, diversity and inclusion.

For reference, in 1982, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case Plyler v. Doe that undocumented students have the same right to attend public schools as U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Public schools may not deny admission to a student or treat them differently. Based on this ruling, schools may not require students or families to disclose or document their immigration status or make inquiries that may expose someone’s undocumented status. You can see OSPI’s recent guidance for immigrant students in our state as well as a recent statement by Washington state Superintendent Chris Reykdal.

Here are some additional resources we shared with staff:

Thank you to each of you who are working hard to reassure our students and families that they are accepted every day in our schools, to answer their questions, and to continue our efforts to provide loving, supportive learning environments for everyone.

Greg Baker

  • All Schools