Safe and Welcoming School District

We are committed to providing equitable and inclusive environments where all our students feel safe and socially and emotionally supported. We know that these days, some students and families are experiencing increased unease and uncertainty.

In an effort to relieve these concerns, we have prepared a list of supports that Denver Public Schools provides to students, families and educators during periods of trauma and stress. We encourage you to review the list and take advantage of the resources offered.

In addition, our Family and Community Engagement (FACE) helpline is available. Email face@dpsk12.org or call 720-423-3054.

Former Superintendent Tom Boasberg made the following statement in support of our transgender students:

“Denver Public Schools will always welcome, support and protect our diverse student body. Supporting the whole child includes making sure all of our students feel safe and respected at school, regardless of their gender identity. DPS will continue our policies and practices of support and equity for all students regardless of their gender identity, as well as immigration status, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, creed or sexual orientation.”

District policy and Colorado state law support the rights of transgender students to be free from bullying, discrimination and harassment. DPS accommodates students based on the gender with which they identify. See District Policy AC – Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity – to learn more.

Members of the Denver Public Schools Board of Education have unanimously declared their commitment to protecting the legal rights of all students, regardless of immigration status, national origin, religion or race, with the Safe and Welcoming School District resolution. In the resolution, the board states the following:

 … the district shall do everything in its lawful power to protect our students’ confidential information and ensure that our students’ learning environments are not disrupted by immigration enforcement actions …

Our students speak more than 140 different languages and we proudly serve immigrant and refugee students in our six Newcomer Centers throughout our district. To respond to frequently-asked questions about immigrant rights, we have created an FAQ in our 10 most common languages.

The district legal team created these responses to questions such as, ‘What impact does undocumented immigration status have on my child’s education?’ and ‘If I am a parent or guardian and I am worried about being detained while my child is at school, what should I do?’

Denver Public Schools is committed to ensuring all students feel safe and welcome in our schools. With recent national events, we know some families may have particular questions about their children who are of the Muslim faith.

In support of these families, we have prepared the following documents in 9 languages, including Amharic, Arabic (now the third most popular language in DPS), Dari, Pashto and Swahili, to respond to frequently asked questions we have received. This FAQ includes responses to common questions such as, ‘Will my child be informed when a food item contains pork?’ ‘Is my child allowed to pray at school?’ and ‘What can I do if my child is being harassed for being Muslim?’

Please review the FAQ and let us know about additional questions or concerns by talking to your individual school leader or reaching out to our Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team at 720-423-3054 or emailing FACEHelpline@dpsk12.org.