DPSF Stands with Immigrant Families: A DPSF Special Message
At Durham Public Schools Foundation, we believe every child, every person—no matter where they come from or how they got here—deserve to feel safe, supported, and valued. Schools must be places where every educator is safe, every student belongs and every family is treated with dignity.
But recent federal executive orders targeting immigrants are putting that safety at risk and have the potential to disrupt community life at all levels, including in the classroom. Moreover, these policies are bullying, plain and simple: they are intended to create fear and uncertainty, especially for students and families who are already vulnerable. DPS Foundation strongly opposes the use of fear tactics and any policy that harms members of our community, particularly those targeting the most vulnerable.
Words Are Not Enough—We Need Action
Saying we support immigrant families is not enough. We need clear action. As a community, we must:
✅ Make sure all families know their rights and how to protect themselves.
✅ Connect families to legal, mental health, personal safety, and well-being resources so students can feel safe and supported at school.
✅ Call on local leaders to deliver clear guidance on their plan to protect immigrant students and families.
DPS Foundation Stands with Durham’s Immigrant Families
We are committed to standing with immigrant families in Durham—now and in the years ahead. Here’s how we’re taking action:
Listening to families and parent advocacy groups to make sure immigrant voices are amplified and their rights are protected across Durham.
Partnering with community organizations to gather and provide accurate up-to-date information and multilingual legal resources.
Amplifying organizations that support and advocate for families affected by immigration policies.
Our Immigrant Community Makes Durham Stronger
Durham is home to a thriving and diverse community, and our greatness depends on ensuring safety and dignity for all who call Durham home, including immigrants. Our city and its leaders have a long history of standing up for justice, fairness, and inclusion. Now, it is our turn to continue that legacy by taking a bold stance against targeted attacks, fear-mongering, and bullying against our own.
We know challenging times have arrived. DPS Foundation is committed to acting quickly and working with partners to support families when they need us most.
I hear it all the time: “Together, we are Bull City strong.” Now is the time to live by those words.
Resources
📌 Siembra NC: Defend Yourself from ICE & Know Your Rights Toolkit 🔗 Siembra NC Toolkit
📌 Red Cards: Know Your Constitutional Rights If Confronted by ICE 🔗 Download Red Cards
📌 Durham Rapid Response (Respuesta Rápida de Durham) 🔗 A community network providing real-time support for immigration-related emergencies. Call or text for immediate assistance: (919) 519-6103
📌El Centro Hispano 🔗 https://elcentronc.org/
Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
The chaos and uncertainty these executive orders have caused is just one of the many challenges facing our community. DPS Foundation remains committed to standing with students and families—protecting the rights of transgender students, expanding access to mental health resources, and preparing for upcoming education policy changes.
At a time when equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts are under attack, we will continue to stand firm in protecting these values. Our schools must remain safe, welcoming spaces where all students, educators, and families—no matter their background, identity, or immigration status—have an equal opportunity to call Durham’s public schools home. I hope you will join us as we continue to stand by and up for every member of our DPS community.
Erika Wilkins
Executive Director, Durham Public Schools Foundation