Schools
Email Threat To DPS Immigrant Teachers Was 'Wrong,' Supt. Says
"I cannot begin to express how shocked I was to learn of this message," said newly appointed DPS superintendent Susan Cordova.
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DENVER, CO – BY Melanie Asmar, Chalkbeat Colorado. Less than three weeks into her tenure as Denver schools superintendent, Susana Cordova stood in the lobby of the district’s downtown headquarters Friday afternoon and apologized.
Ringed by television cameras, Cordova said she was shocked the evening before to learn that a district human resources employee had sent an email to schools on Tuesday that said immigrant teachers working in Denver Public Schools on visas would be reported to immigration authorities if they participated in an impending teacher strike.
“This was wrong,” said Cordova, flanked by three Denver school board members. “I cannot begin to express how shocked I was to learn of this message, and how deeply sorry I am for the anxiety and fear this has caused our educators, our families, and our community.”
The district will not report to authorities the names of any employees who walk off the job, Cordova said. Of the district’s approximately 5,600 educators, 128 of them are here on H-1B and J-1 immigrant visas, a district spokesperson said.
Denver Public Schools Superintendent Susana Cordova speaks at a press conference addressing the email about immigrant teachers. (Photo by Melanie Asmar, Chalkbeat Colorado)
