District Immigration Guidance
Protecting All Students: Procedural Guidance for Responding to Federal Immigration Enforcement at Schools
In Boston Public Schools, we celebrate our rich diversity, which contributes to a vibrant community and experience for all our students. When we welcome our more than 48,000 students into school every day, they deserve to be children–focused on learning in their classrooms, performing on stage, striving to be the best they can in their sport, or exploring their passion for learning and growing.
BPS has thoroughly reviewed existing policies and procedures, which have not changed. We have issued specific guidance to all staff to ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities to our students in accordance with district policy and all state and federal laws.
BPS cannot and does not require or ask students or caregivers for information regarding their immigration status or citizenship during enrollment. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), records of student information are protected and the district cannot share personally identifiable information with law enforcement or federal immigration enforcement agencies without a court order or lawfully issued subpoena. It has been and continues to be BPS policy that no unauthorized adults may enter any school building.
BPS will always keep students’ needs, education and otherwise, at the forefront of our daily operations. We are committed to identifying staff training opportunities to continue learning and building our capacity to serve and protect students and their information, and continue to work with partners to provide resources to support the families we serve.
The BPS Helpline is here to support all students and families seeking confidential and trusted support. The BPS Helpline is a new support service for the BPS Community. We answer basic questions to help people get to the right place for support…and more!
Call at 617-635-8873 or email us at helpline@bostonpublicschools.org
The BPS Helpline team is available Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Holidays and special observances may impact the schedule.