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Superintendent reassures families on immigration enforcement; students report racism concerns and cultural events planned
Summary
Superintendent Matthew Hawes told the board that schools will not ask about immigration status and that student education records are protected by FERPA except when a valid warrant or subpoena is presented. Student representatives reported continuing incidents of racism and outlined upcoming cultural events and anti-bias initiatives.
Matthew Hawes, superintendent of Albemarle County Public Schools, addressed worries about immigration enforcement and student privacy at the Jan. 23 school board meeting, saying the district will not ask students or families about their immigration status and that student education records are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) except when a valid warrant or judicial subpoena is presented.
"Above all else, I want to assure our students and their families that our schools are and will remain a safe and welcoming place for all," Superintendent Matthew Hawes said during his remarks.
Hawes noted that recent changes in federal immigration enforcement guidance have removed earlier discouragements about arrests at sensitive locations such as schools and bus stops, but said any enforcement activity is subject to legal protocols, including warrants in certain circumstances. He urged families concerned about enforcement near schools or bus stops to contact the division and referred families to materials distributed by the division's Office of Community Engagement.
The board also heard from Margaret Lee, the student representative from Western Albemarle High School, who reported that "racism and discrimination continues to be a critical issue across all schools," and described student plans to organize the second Better Together Cultural Celebration Night in April. Lee said student groups including Yawpik (the Young Asian American and Pacific Islanders of Charlottesville), Alianza Hisp—nica, Moca Woca and the Gay Student Alliance plan to participate in cultural activities, food, and music.
Lee described student-led initiatives to incorporate anti-racism workshops into potential professional development days for teachers and to advise faculty on responding to acts of discrimination in classrooms. The student representative thanked the board for its continued support of equity and inclusion efforts.
Hawes said the division has not received inquiries to date about law-enforcement arrests on campus related to immigration enforcement, and reiterated that school-based leaders would notify the school division counsel to manage interactions with law enforcement if needed.
The remarks did not result in a board motion or vote; board members asked clarifying questions and expressed support for the district's outreach to families.
