Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, with a group of 120 Members of Congress, this week called on Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to immediately correct her recent false and dangerous testimony asserting that local schools have the discretion to allow personnel to report undocumented students or family members to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for potential deportation.  

“As the chief official for our nation’s public education system, it is your job to uphold federal law and protect and promote the civil rights of all students,” the lawmakers wrote. “Your words and actions matter. Left uncorrected, your testimony leaves state and district officials and public school personnel with the false impression that they may willfully violate the U.S. Constitution, potentially subjecting any such officials or personnel who rely on your statement to liability. Left uncorrected, your testimony leaves immigrant communities fearful of interaction with public schools. Left uncorrected, your testimony could do irreparable harm to educational opportunity for undocumented children.”

DeVos made the comments during a House Committee hearing in response to a question from Rep. Espaillat.

A copy of the letter is available HERE.