Board adopts immigration-status protections for school access

What happened

The board adopted a required policy barring denial of enrollment, attendance or participation in school activities based on a student’s or parent’s actual or perceived immigration or citizenship status. It also directs school employees to follow district procedures if law enforcement or immigration agents come to school property.

Why it matters to families

The policy formalizes districtwide protections for students and families and addresses how staff should respond to agent visits; board members noted that school resource officers are not to be involved in that process.

The evidence

At its October 28 meeting, the board approved policy JBB unanimously. The superintendent said Virginia law requires the policy by December 31, 2026, and described it as reflecting protections already required by law and district practice. The board discussion quoted its no-denial provision and noted that SROs are not allowed to participate in the process.

The source