Fullerton board adopts updated immigration‑enforcement policy after debate over staff recording and obstruction language

The Fullerton School District Board of Trustees voted Feb. 17 to adopt a revised immigration enforcement policy that integrates language from the California Attorney General’s model policy and related Department of Education guidance.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Chad Hammett said the district revised Board Policy 5145.13 to comply with new state legislation and the AG’s model policy, and that legal counsel reviewed the changes to ensure compliance.

Trustees debated a paragraph added to the draft that explains what staff should do if immigration enforcement personnel enter campus. One portion of the disputed text said that documenting or recording officers’ actions would "not constitute unlawful obstruction or interference." Some trustees warned that stating a legal conclusion in board policy could create liability for staff if local enforcement or circumstances differ; others said the Department of Education recommended similar language and the district wanted to make clear that staff should not physically interfere with officers and that safe documentation is allowed.

President Hanchett summarized the board position that staff should prioritize safety: "We want our staff to keep themselves and others physically safe by not interfering," she said during the discussion.

After further edits to align the policy with DOJ/Department of Education guidance—emphasizing that district staff "shall not attempt to physically impede an officer" and that staff should document officer actions where feasible—the board approved the revised policy by a unanimous 5–0 vote.

The policy will be uploaded to the California Department of Education as required; staff said administrative regulations and training materials will clarify step‑by‑step procedures and instruct staff about documentation, credential collection, and how to accompany officers safely on campus.