Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Richmond School Board members Tuesday night unanimously approved a plan to make RPS a designated “safe zone,” free from federal immigration actions.
The decision follows concerns expressed by parents and students regarding students’ physical and emotional safety, as well as their access to education.
Under the new policy, ICE admission into school buildings will be controlled by the superintendent’s office. The policy outlines the protocol for staff to follow if ICE or any other immigration enforcement agencies attempt to enter a school, with or without a warrant, or seeks student information.
The passed resolution also establishes a Rapid Response Team to assist if a student’s parent or guardian is apprehended during a federal enforcement action. RPS officials have also been directed to review current data collection policies to ensure that immigration status is not gathered from students and their families.
The full policy can be viewed here.
