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CPS reiterates that students may enroll regardless of immigration status and explains protocols for law-enforcement interviews at schools
Summary
The Policy & Equity Committee reviewed two existing policies: one (Policy 51.11) that explicitly states Cincinnati Public Schools enrolls students regardless of immigration status, and another (Policy 55.40) that requires parent notification and an adult school representative when law-enforcement agencies seek to question students at school.
Cincinnati Public Schools legal staff reviewed two district policies on immigration and interviews by law enforcement at the Policy & Equity Committee meeting on April 25, emphasizing that current policy permits enrollment regardless of immigration status and that schools are trained to require parent notification when law enforcement seeks to question students on campus.
Why it matters: Community members and board members had asked for clarity on how the district would handle immigration-related issues and possible ICE activity. Policy staff said district rules are intended to protect students' access to education while ensuring notification and adult support during any in-school questioning.
Policy details presented
- Policy 51.11 (student eligibility) contains an explicit sentence: "CPS enrolls students regardless of their immigration status." Staff reiterated that CPS does not ask about immigration status during enrollment and seeks not to retain such records.
- Policy 55.40 (interrogation of students) requires schools to notify parents when law enforcement, including immigration authorities, requests to question a student. If an interview must occur at school, an adult from the school (principal, assistant principal or other trusted adult) must be present; staff said interviews at school are rare and typically limited to child-safety investigations where the school is used as a place of last resort.
Training and implementation
Staff reported recent training for principals, assistant principals, front-office clerks, social workers and other school personnel on these policies. No policy changes were proposed; staff recommended maintaining the current language and continuing training.
Ending
Committee members acknowledged the clarifications and had no suggested edits; staff will continue training and share materials with the board and community as needed.
