Civil Rights Laws / Immigration Rights and Resources

Welcome!

Ashland Public Schools is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, staff and families, regardless of their immigration status. All students deserve the opportunity to succeed, and we are dedicated to ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive. The information in the links below is designed to reassure parents and community members of this commitment.

Please note: these resources are provided to help students, staff and families navigate their situations and are not explicitly endorsed by the district. As further guidance from state and federal agencies is provided, these resources may be updated by the respective organizations. Please visit the listed organizations for the most updated information.

Resources for Families

We value every member of our district community. A list of beneficial community resources for immigrant community members and mixed-status families can be found below.

AREA Online Discussion & Listening Session

Ashland Residents for Equity & Action (AREA) will host a virtual Immigrant Discussion Group & Listening Session from 7-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 for anyone needing to connect with others in a vulnerable immigration situation and to let the AREA Board know what resources you might find helpful. Anyone that has knowledge or skills that our immigrant neighbors might find helpful is also invited.

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Immigration Helpline

The Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) helpline is open to all Massachusetts residents.

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Immigration Preparedness Toolkit

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center's (ILRC) Immigration Preparedness Toolkit is a resource-packed informational document designed to help immigrants with no legal status or in mixed status families begin to understand the immigration legal landscape and plan for their own journey through an ever-changing, complex system in the United States.

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Know Your Rights

The Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) provides “know your rights” trainings, resources for advocates, service providers and allies who want to help ensure that immigrants know their rights in different contexts.

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Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice

Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice (SCIJ) trains and mobilizes college students to provide free legal representation to asylum seekers and to organize for immigrant justice. SCIJ will host a Know Your Rights presentation on Feb. 5 from 6-8 p.m. at 18 Chestnut Street, Worcester.

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Combatendo o ódio nas escolas: um guia para famílias e estudantes

Um guia em português para famílias e alunos para combater o ódio em nossas escolas, fornecido pelo Gabinete do Procurador Geral de Massachusetts.

Combatendo o odio nas escolas um guia para familias e estudante.pdf 113.39 KB (Last Modified on January 31, 2025)

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Combatir el Odio en Nuestras Escuelas: Una Guía para Familias y Estudiantes

Una guía en español para familias y estudiantes para combatir el odio en nuestras escuelas, facilitada por la Oficina del Fiscal General de Massachusetts.

Combatir el Odio en Nuestras Escuelas Una Guia para Familias y Estudiantes.pdf 115.19 KB (Last Modified on January 31, 2025)

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Combatting Hate in Our Schools: A Guide for Families and Students

A guide in English for families and students to combat hate in our schools, provided by the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General.

Combatting Hate in Our Schools A Guide for Families and Students.pdf 104.66 KB (Last Modified on January 31, 2025)

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Document and Contacts Checklist/Lista de documentos y contactos

A list provided by the Coalition For Human Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles in English and Spanish of the important documents and contacts every immigrant or mixed status family should have or be aware of.

Document_Checklist_Contacts_Revised-2.pdf 394.08 KB (Last Modified on February 4, 2025)

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Prepárate para quedarte/Prepare to stay

A list of immigrant rights and a family preparedness plan provided by the Coalition For Human Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, available in English and Spanish.

prepare-to-stay-new-logo-2.pdf 527.18 KB (Last Modified on February 4, 2025)

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Resources for Staff and Faculty

We are committed to providing inclusive teaching and learning environments where staff and students feel safe and supported. Please review the resources below to help you support our students and families.

Know Your Rights for K-12 Schools & Educators

A virtual training provided by MIRA on Feb. 14 from 9:30-11 a.m. intended for those working in Massachusetts K-12 schools, including teachers, counselors and administrators.

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Guidance on Immigration Issues

Guidance from the National Education Association (NEA) on immigration policies affecting students, schools and communities.

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Supporting Immigrant Families and Upholding Their Rights

This blog, by NASP (National Association of School Psychologists), summarizes the key legal protections of students, including those that are undocumented, and specific actions school psychologists can take to support immigrant students and their families. This blog will also help school psychologists and other school professionals help immigrant communities understand their rights. This is not legal advice.

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Ten Strategies for Supporting Immigrant Students and Families

There are many ways that schools can support immigrant students and families facing uncertainty. These strategies from Colorín Colorado are based on input from educators and researchers across the country.

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K-12 Schools on Protecting Students and Their Information

This flyer from the Office of the Attorney General Civil Rights Division & Children’s Justice Unit outlines the obligations for K-12 schools to support and protect all students and their personal information.

Flyer for K-12 Schools on Protecting Students and Their Information.pdf 346.57 KB (Last Modified on January 31, 2025)

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Abordar el odio y los prejuicios en las escuelas: Preguntas y Respuestas

Este documento de la Fiscalía General, traducido en español, responde a las preguntas más frecuentes sobre la lucha contra el odio y los prejuicios en nuestras escuelas.

Abordar el odio y los prejuicios en las escuelas Preguntas y Respuestas.pdf 101.7 KB (Last Modified on January 31, 2025)

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Addressing Hate and Bias in Schools

The Office of the Attorney General answers frequently asked questions about addressing hate and bias in our schools.

Addressing Hate and Bias in Schools FAQ.pdf 98.94 KB (Last Modified on January 31, 2025)

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Guidance for K-12 schools on ICE requests for access or information

This guidance, in English only, from the Office of the Attorney General describes schools’ legal obligations as well as steps they can take to support students and families.

FINAL Guidance for K 12 schools on ICE requests for access or information.pdf 307.59 KB (Last Modified on January 31, 2025)

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Lidando com o ódio e o preconceito nas escolas: perguntas e respostas

O Gabinete do Procurador Geral responde a perguntas frequentes sobre como lidar com o ódio e o preconceito em nossas escolas.

Lidando com o odio e o preconceito nas escolas perguntas e resposta.pdf 100.57 KB (Last Modified on January 31, 2025)

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Upholding the Rights of Immigrant Students to Enroll in School

Guidance provided by the Executive Office of Education, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Office of the Attorney General for school committees and districts to uphold the rights of immigrant students to enroll in school.

Upholding the Rights of Immigrant Students to Enroll in School.pdf 230.2 KB (Last Modified on January 31, 2025)

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Welcome!