Medford School Committee adopts immigration-enforcement policy; interim superintendent outlines transition priorities

The Medford School Committee on Jan. 27 approved an immigration-enforcement policy that spells out district practices when immigration enforcement agents seek access to students or school records, and heard Interim Superintendent Suzanne B. Gallusi present a transition plan that prioritizes relationship-building, budget planning and continuity of instruction.

Member Rousseau read the policy language aloud during the meeting: “Medford Public Schools does not request immigration status as part of its registration process.” The adopted policy states that district personnel will not inquire about a student’s immigration status at registration, will not provide student-records information to immigration authorities absent a signed judicial court order, and will deny site access to immigration agents unless the superintendent presents a court order and has consulted legal counsel. The policy also directs school staff on student dismissal procedures, handling of students whose parents or guardians have been detained, and steps for reporting alleged hate crimes.

The committee approved…