Cincinnati school board affirms commitment to educate students regardless of immigration status

The Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education on March 3 unanimously approved a resolution reaffirming the district’s commitment to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all students regardless of immigration status.

The resolution, introduced during the business meeting and discussed briefly by board members, states the board recognizes federal law guaranteeing a free public education to all students regardless of immigration status and directs district administration to take the steps necessary to ensure immigrant and refugee students are educated in a safe and secure environment.

Board members who spoke in favor described the measure as a collective effort of the full board and emphasized the contribution immigrant and refugee students make to the district. Vice President Bolton said the district has long benefited from students whose families migrated to Cincinnati and described immigrant students as “an asset to the district.” Board Member Lindy noted the resolution was circulated among board members and reflected input from multiple members before the vote.

A roll-call vote taken by Treasurer Wagner recorded unanimous approval: Board Member Craig — yes; Board Member Crossett — yes; Board Member Lindy — yes; Board Member Weinberg — yes; Vice President Bolton — yes; President Moffitt — yes. The motion was adopted as presented.

The resolution directs administration to implement the district’s policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment, to ensure safe learning environments apply to all students, and to take “all necessary steps” to protect immigrant and refugee students. The board did not specify additional implementation steps or a reporting timeline during the meeting.

Board members said the resolution supplements existing district policies and that further operational details could be handled administratively.

The board moved on to other agenda items after the vote.