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Baltimore County board adopts policy restricting immigration‑enforcement access to schools
Summary
The board voted to adopt Board Policy 12‑50, clarifying that federal agents need a signed judicial warrant to enter school buildings and directing staff training; supporters said the policy protects students and staff and aligns with federal law review.
The Board of Education of Baltimore County on Tuesday adopted Board Policy 12‑50, which delineates procedures for immigration‑enforcement access to school buildings and requires staff training on the policy.
Christina Pumphrey, chair of the Policy Review Committee, presented the committee recommendation and said legal counsel reviewed the policy to ensure it conforms with federal law. "This is about our children feeling welcome," Pumphrey said during discussion, urging adoption.
Several public commenters, including Kapathia Campbell of TAPCO, urged the board to restore library media specialist positions and praised the policy as an important signal that BCPS seeks to protect immigrant and mixed‑status students.
Board members discussed legal alignment with federal requirements and training for front‑office staff. One board member asked whether the policy would interfere with federal law; Pumphrey said the policy requires a signed judicial warrant and was reviewed by legal staff to ensure it does not conflict with federal statutes.
The board adopted Policy 12‑50 by roll call vote. Supporters framed the policy as a student‑safety and dignity measure; one board member said referring to children as 'illegal immigrants' is unacceptable and underscored the need for the policy.
The policy will be implemented through staff training and referenced in board documents; details on the training schedule were not specified during the meeting.
