.jpg)
Lexington City Schools joined a growing chorus of school divisions in Virginia speaking out about federal immigration concerns this month, sending two letters to families outlining the district’s stance on student privacy and immigration enforcement policies.
The first letter, sent on Feb. 6, emphasized that a student’s immigration status does not affect his or her right to a public education. Superintendent Rebecca Walters assured families that the district is committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming learning environment.
“As the new administration takes office, there have been a series of executive orders related to immigration, as well as calls for increased immigration enforcement
, page 2 nationwide. It is important to understand that, by law, a child’s immigration status (or that of their parents) does not affect their right to receive a public education,” the letter stated.
“We recognize the questions around immigration may raise serious concerns within our community. With this in mind, we have consulted with our School Board attorney,” it continued. “We are here to assist students and families in any way we can, and we encourage you to reach out to your child’s school office at any time. Our principals and school counselors are ready to help, whether through direct support or by connecting families with resources available in our community.”
A follow-up letter, sent Feb. 14, provided more details on how Lexington City Schools would respond if federal immigration enforcement officials were to visit a school. Walters reiterated that schools do not collect or maintain immigration status information and that federal law prohibits releasing student records without parental consent or a judicial order.
“In general, schools cannot share a student’s personal information without written permission from a parent or guardian unless there is a health or safety emergency as determined by the Division, or a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena,” read the second letter. “The federal law also typically supersedes any state-level policy that seeks to mandate the release of student data.
“Absent parental consent, federal law enforcement officials must have a judicial order, warrant, or subpoena to obtain access to records or students. If a warrant is presented seeking access to students, reasonable efforts will be made to contact parents before officials can interview any student,” Walters wrote.
The issue was also discussed at the Lexington School Board meeting on Feb. 13. During the public comment period, parent Meghan Ferguson urged the Board to take a strong stance in protecting students and preventing any outside law enforcement presence on school grounds.
“This is an important opportunity to send a message that this sort of outside terror is not at all welcome in our school. I want our students, our families, everyone, no matter what, to feel safe coming to school,” Ferguson said.
Following her comments, Walters reaffirmed the district’s policies, stating that administrators have reviewed protocols with front office staff, school counselors, and the school resource officer. She emphasized that Lexington schools would follow legal guidelines while prioritizing student safety and privacy. -To date, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County school officials have not sent out letters to parents regarding immigration.
Rockbridge County Public Schools Superintendent Phillip Thompson did say, however, that some administrators had fielded concerns from families.
“Our goal is to always ensure that all of our students feel welcome and can learn in the positive environment of our classrooms,” Thompson said. “As our schools have always done, we will follow our current policies, procedures, and comply with the law.”
The issue has gained attention across Virginia after President Donald Trump signed an executive order removing federal restrictions on immigration enforcement in schools, hospitals, and places of worship. The U.S. Department of Education has reaffirmed that all children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to attend public school, citing the 1982 Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe.
Lexington school officials also pointed families to additional resources provided by the Virginia Education Association, which has advocated for schools to serve as safe spaces for all students. More information is available at www.veanea.org/immigration- resources.
