West Bridgewater schools repeat guidance: "Children are entitled to an education regardless of immigration status"; staff told to require judicial warrants

The School Committee heard a legal update Feb. 3 explaining the district's approach to immigration-enforcement inquiries and school entry. Superintendent Mr. Badwell said the district has received information from the Attorney General's office and legal counsel and will follow established student-privacy and warrant procedures.

"Children are entitled to an education regardless of their immigration status," Mr. Badwell said. He said staff have been instructed that the district will not provide student information without parental consent and that officials requesting student records or entry must present appropriate legal process. "Anyone entering the building would need a judicial warrant signed by a judge or a clerk magistrate to enter the building," he added, referring to the difference between immigration (ICE) warrants and judicial warrants.

The superintendent said administrators will direct inquiries to him, and if necessary he will consult the district attorney or the district's legal counsel. The district plans to join a webinar to gather more detail on enforcement questions and related legal procedures.

Committee members were reminded that the district will continue to administer state assessments for accountability purposes and that immigration-enforcement guidance does not change the district's obligation to educate students.

The superintendent emphasized that staff received specific instructions on how to respond to law-enforcement inquiries and to protect student privacy while following lawful process.