CPS policy excuses absences over ICE fears
Chicago Public Schools guidance obtained by Defending Education shows students can receive excused absences if families report fear of federal immigration enforcement, with no specified time limit, under a 'concern for student health and safety' code. The policy—reaffirmed by the CPS Board in February—also permits excused absences for approved 'Civic Events,' and requires only that parents communicate the reason via approved district methods.
📌 Key Facts
- Document: 'Attendance Coding for Safety Concerns Related to Federal Representative Activity' allows excused absences due to fear of immigration enforcement.
- CPS policy states 'no time limit' on using this reason; schools should note 'concern for student health and safety' in the memo box.
- Policy was reaffirmed by the CPS Board in February 2025 and also allows excused absences for qualifying 'Civic Events.'
📊 Relevant Data
In 2024, 47% of Chicago Public Schools students identified as Hispanic, 35% as Black, 11% as White, and 4.5% as Asian American.
Explaining Chicago Public Schools: The students — Chalkbeat
More than 5,700 newly arrived immigrant students enrolled in Chicago Public Schools since the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year.
Chicago Public Schools Enrollment Climbs As More Migrant Families Arrive — Block Club Chicago
In 2024, estimates show between 9,000 and 17,000 migrant students enrolled in Chicago Public Schools.
Welcoming Migrant Students — American Federation of Teachers
In 2024, 28.6% of Latino students and 21.8% of Black students in Illinois were proficient in reading, compared to higher rates for White and Asian students.
Illinois 2024 report card: How did schools perform in reading, math, and more? — Chalkbeat
In 2024, 15.6% of Latino students and 9.1% of Black students in Illinois were proficient in math, showing persistent racial disparities.
Illinois 2024 report card: How did schools perform in reading, math, and more? — Chalkbeat
Chicago Public Schools' low-income and minority students recorded lower proficiency rates and higher absences than the state average in the 2024-2025 school year.
Scores down, absences up for Chicago low-income, minority students — Illinois Policy