The profession of Dr. Ian Roberts, a Guyanese-born educator who rose to steer Des Moines Public Colleges, has been thrown into turmoil after the Iowa Board of Academic Examiners revoked his skilled administrator’s license.
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The board cited Roberts’ lack of authorized presence in the USA, following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) final week.
In a blunt letter, BOEE Govt Director Michael Cavin wrote: “Our workplace has acquired info that you just now not possess authorized presence in the USA… the license issued by the Board of Academic Examiners is now not legitimate and your authority to function superintendent is revoked.”
Roberts, who grew up in Georgetown, Guyana, and represented the nation as a observe and subject athlete, was celebrated in 2023 for his appointment as superintendent of Iowa’s largest college district. Many Guyanese, each at dwelling and overseas, hailed his rise as a narrative of perseverance, from the athletics observe to the helm of a significant U.S. college system.
However ICE officers say Roberts has been below a “ultimate order of removing” since Might 2024, tied to a longstanding immigration case. He has been detained on the Woodbury County Jail since his arrest on September 26 throughout what the company described as a “focused enforcement operation” for allegedly residing and dealing within the U.S. illegally.
The Des Moines Faculty Board responded rapidly. In a particular assembly Monday night, the board voted unanimously to put Roberts on unpaid administrative depart. Chair Jackie Norris defined the board’s motion:
“We acquired a doc from the Division of Homeland Safety notifying us that Dr. Roberts is an unauthorized employee on this nation. We then acquired a replica of the ultimate order of removing issued by the U.S. Division of Justice and signed by an immigration choose.”
Roberts’ license, initially legitimate till December 2028, was terminated instantly. He has till October 28 to attraction the choice. In the meantime, the college board plans to debate whether or not to terminate his employment contract later this week.
The unfolding state of affairs has sparked protests exterior the Federal Constructing in Des Moines, with mother and father, college students, and civil rights advocates rallying in Roberts’ protection. Neighborhood members have expressed shock on the information, questioning how Roberts was cleared for the superintendent function regardless of present process a number of background checks. Faculty and state officers have famous that Roberts had recognized himself as an American citizen on college documentation.
