I would like to share this stellar example of Chutzpah.

[madaboutharry]

This story originated in Iowa, but has since gained not only national but also international attention. I think it should be appropriate to post in General Discussion as the story has implications far beyond Polk County, Iowa.

For reference, Ian Roberts, allegedly Dr. Ian Roberts, is the now former and very much disgraced former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. He is currently in jail on weapons charges as well as for being in the country illegally. In May 2024, an Immigration Judge issued an order of deportation. The appeal was denied.

Eight days ago he was arrested by ICE and local law enforcement after fleeing from agents and hiding in the woods. News outlets have since reported a long history of alleged criminal activity (including drug possession with intent to distribute and forgery charges), fabrications and false information on his resume, falsely claiming to be an American citizen, and a litany of other ethical issues. I am not going to defend ICE, but even a broken clock is right twice a day.

In January 2025, he posted the following letter on the official website of Des Moines Public Schools concerning immigration enforcement and deportation. Oh, the irony....

Blog@DMPS
A Letter from Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts
Recent reports about immigration enforcement and deportations across the nation have been an understandable cause for concern for many families and students in our community. Dr. Ian Roberts, superintendent at Des Moines Public Schools, shared the following letter about how schools and the district will work to be supportive.

Dear DMPS Parents:

Over the past week, many people have been understandably concerned about reports of immigration enforcement around the country, including the impact it may have on schools. At this point in time, there has been no immigration-related action involving Des Moines Public Schools.

Everyday Des Moines Public Schools does everything we can within our legal and moral authority to support students, which is always our top priority. I want to share some of the ways we are prepared if a student does face immigration action, and what a school and the school district can and cannot do in such a situation:

As a school district, DMPS must comply with the law. A very important aspect of that is respecting the rights afforded to our students and families under state and federal laws. It also means being responsive whenever we are presented with a proper subpoena or warrant. We work closely with our attorneys whenever such legal questions arise.
Protocols were provided to our schools for their teachers and staff to continue to be supportive of students and families. This includes referring families to community organizations that might be able to assist with specific needs, something we do on behalf of students and families every school day on a wide range of issues.
Those protocols also note that teachers and staff are not to provide legal advice or assistance at any time but rather refer families to organizations such as Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice that can help people get connected with appropriate assistance on immigration issues.
Schools are also reminding families to make sure that their emergency contact information is up to date for the safety and well-being of their child in any situation.
As a reminder, students’ privacy is protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), ensuring their personal information cannot be disclosed without appropriate consent. As a district, we will continue to monitor developments in federal policy and assess how changes may impact our students and families.

Like school districts across the state and nation, DMPS is navigating a time that is concerning for many students and families, and we will continue to do all that we can to treat everyone with compassion and dignity.

Sincerely,
Screenshot 2025 01 28 at 7.54.46 AM

Published on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025

Not a psychologist, but there are actual diagnoses for people like this.

[sop]

1. Almost as much Chutzpah as George Santos.

[dalton99a]

3. +1

[chouchou]

2. Well, looks like the dumb-ass-republicans have got their candidate for 2028 !

Perfectly fit the bill.

[LuvLoogie]

4. So zip-tie black and brown children.

MAGA's been consumed with this story, and feel very exonerated for their bigotries.

[madaboutharry]

5. Two things can be true at the same time.

1. The immigration system needs serious reform rather than what we are witnessing from this administration.

2. And there are people who are criminals who should not be in this country.

[AZJonnie]

6. Seems more like he's doing the job he was hired to do rather than any kind of chutzpah

He's not saying he supports ICE actions and wants illegals deported, so I don't get why this letter is notable, but maybe I'm missing something. Wouldn't be the first time