Letter from Superintendent White and Roanoke City School Board Regarding Federal Immigration Policies

This page can be translated into other languages by clicking the "Translate" button at the top of the website. PDF versions of this letter in English, Spanish, Dari, Nepali, Swahili, Haitian Creole, Pashto, and Arabic can also be downloaded below. Esta página puede traducirse a otros idiomas haciendo clic en el botón "Traducir" en la parte superior del sitio web. También se pueden descargar versiones en PDF de esta carta en inglés, español, dari, nepalí, swahili, criollo haitiano, pastún y árabe a continuación.

January 28, 2025

Dear families,

Welcome to the third nine weeks of school! We are grateful for your continued partnership as we work together to provide high-quality instruction and a safe, welcoming environment for every student.

We want to share some important information about a recent memo issued by the federal government. The new guidance rescinds a 2021 Department of Homeland Security memo that previously designated schools as protected areas from immigration enforcement actions. We understand that this may be concerning for some of our students and families; therefore, we want to share important information about student rights and protections at school.

It is important to note that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is the law that protects the privacy of student education records. This means schools cannot share a student’s personal information without permission from a parent or guardian. Schools are also not allowed to share student records with immigration or law enforcement agencies without parental consent or a judicial order.

We also want to share that federal law enforcement officials must have a judicial warrant to enter school property. If a warrant is presented, parents and guardians must provide permission before officials can interview a student.

Roanoke City Public Schools has updated our teachers and staff on their responsibilities and the proper protocols to follow if officials visit schools. The safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities.

During this time of uncertainty, we want our families to know that we are here for you. If you need any support, please reach out to your child's school. Our school counselors can provide direct support and/or connect you with resources available to our entire school community. Families may also directly access virtual mental health services through our partnership with Hazel Health at: my.hazel.co/rcps.

Sincerely,

Verletta White, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Roanoke City Public Schools

Eli C.S. Jamison, Ed.D., Chair
Franny Apel, Vice Chair
Michael L. Cherry, II
Auraliz “Liz” C. Quintana              
Deidre E. Trigg
Joyce W. Watkins
Roanoke City School Board