Des Moines School District Responds to Superintendent Ian Roberts' ICE Detainment

District Leadership's Response to Superintendent's Detainment

• 📣 The De Moines public school community is addressing the situation with Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts, urging radical empathy and respect for humanity.
• 💡 Leaders acknowledge they do not have all the facts but state that Dr. Roberts has been an integral part of the school community for over two years, advocating for students and staff.
• 🔑 Dr. Roberts was issued a license to serve as superintendent in Iowa in July 2023, with the district stating they are working to verify new, publicly released information.

Interim Superintendent's Statement

• 💔 Interim Superintendent Matt Smith expressed that the district is devastated by the news of Dr. Roberts' detainment, mirroring the community's sadness, outrage, and helplessness.
• ✅ The district affirms that their important work will continue, with leaders committed to providing outstanding education and addressing the situation with care, empathy, service, and action.
• 🌟 Protocols and processes are in place to manage this situation, and the district emphasizes leading with love and care for human dignity.

Moving Forward Amidst Uncertainty

• ❓ The district anticipates that additional answers may not be immediately available, acknowledging the challenging nature of the situation on multiple levels.
• 🤝 The strength of De Moines public schools is attributed to its people—leaders, educators, and staff—who will continue to advance the mission.
• 🌊 Quoting Dr. Roberts, the district emphasizes the importance of unity: "If you paddle together, you will survive the tide. If you paddle alone, you will likely drown," choosing to paddle together as they await further clarity.