Tacoma School District reaffirms legal protections for undocumented and transgender students after federal orders

Superintendent Josh Garcia told the Tacoma School District Board of Directors on Jan. 23 that the district will continue to serve every student who attends its schools and will follow Washington state laws protecting student privacy and gender identity, despite recent federal executive orders.

Garcia said staff have begun and will continue to distribute communications and resources to reassure families, reiterating two core commitments: that the district serves every student who walks through its doors regardless of immigration status, and that legal protections established by Washington state remain in force.

The update came after community members raised concerns in public comment about fear among immigrant families and the district’s messaging. “We are legally required to serve every student that shows through our doors,” Garcia said during the meeting. He added that the district will not provide home addresses or citizenship information unless compelled by a subpoena and that parents may opt students out of directory information. “We are not allowed to provide home addresses,” he said.

Garcia and other district leaders told the board they have reviewed new guidance released by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) the same day. The OSPI guidance, officials said, consolidates recommended operating steps for administrators and families on issues such as releasing student information and how to respond if law enforcement appears on campus.

The district also described existing local procedures designed to protect students. Garcia said Washington state law allows students to identify their gender beyond a binary classification and that schools maintain gender-care support plans. “Those are still in place and will continue to be in place,” he said.

District officials said they have consulted with school principals, office managers and Tacoma Police Department staff to clarify roles and to reduce fear when law enforcement visits campus. Garcia said the district has asked law enforcement to use caution and to consult district staff before taking actions that could raise immigration concerns.

Board members and two public speakers — Keith Michael Estrada and Sofia Agderap — asked the district for more explicit, proactive protections. Estrada said the district’s statement was “lacking” and urged the board to adopt policies explicitly limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Agderap, who identified herself as an immigrant and a Tacoma Public Schools parent, said the district’s communications felt reactive and urged clearer, named commitments to protect students’ safety and well-being.

District leaders said they will continue issuing updated communications and training materials, monitor legal developments, and work through the legislative process when state law changes might be needed. Garcia said the district will examine district policies and regulations for needed clarifications and will remain connected to state and national education associations for interpretation and guidance.

Board President Corey Strozier and other board members urged the community to use district resources and to contact the board if families do not receive timely help from school staff.

The board did not vote on any new policy at the Jan. 23 meeting; the discussion focused on guidance, communications and legal interpretation.