Our mission is Every Child, By Name and By Need, to Graduation and Beyond. We recognize that our students are struggling with the uncertainties and fears in our society regarding immigration. It is our goal and our obligation under the law to ensure that our schools are safe places where a student’s race, ethnicity, religion and immigration status do not create any barriers to that child’s education.
To assist in this goal we want to share answers and provide resources regarding immigration status and our commitment to protect students from discrimination and harassment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What impact does undocumented immigration status have on my child’s education?
None. Children have a constitutional right to have equal access to education regardless of their immigration status or their parents’ status. That right cannot be taken away by the president or the state or federal legislatures.
Does Lynchburg City Schools ask for a child’s immigration status when he or she enrolls?
No. Public school divisions like LCS have an obligation to enroll students regardless of their immigration status and without discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.
Would the school division ever share our students’ immigration status with federal immigration officials?
As mentioned above, we do not ask for students’ immigration status when they enroll. However, if we became aware of a student’s lack of immigration status, we would not share that information with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If we get a request for student information, the school system will fight to protect all of our students’ constitutional and legal rights to keep their information private.
Will there be any immigration enforcement actions on school grounds?
We believe that an action on school grounds during the school day is unlikely.
If I am a parent or guardian and I am worried about being detained while my child is at school, what should I do?
In the event that any parents are detained during school hours, the division will attempt to call your emergency contacts. Please take this opportunity to update your emergency contact information for your students either at your school or in Infinite Campus.
What should I do if I am a DACA recipient?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is based on an order by the president. The president could choose to change or remove that order. If you are a recipient of DACA, consider reaching out to an immigration attorney now in order to determine if you have access to a better form of immigration status. Additional information can be found below in the Links & Additional Resources section or from your child’s school principal, or school counselor.
What should I do if I want to understand my immigration rights?
Only immigration attorneys can provide you with accurate advice about immigration status and how you can pursue any legal rights you might have. For your own protection, please do not seek the advice of notarios or others who are not licensed immigration attorneys. Additional information can be found below in the Links & Additional Resources section or from your child’s school principal, or school counselor.
What does Lynchburg City Schools do to ensure that no student or family is discriminated against or harassed because of their race, ethnicity, religion or national origin?
LCS believes deeply in ensuring equity habits. We have policies in place that mandate no discrimination or harassment for our students, families or employees on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin or other protected classes.
NOTE: LCS Policy JBZ: Equal Education Opportunities/NonDiscrimination
Form JB-F: Report of Discrimination
What should I do if I feel like my student or I have been the victim of discrimination or harassment?
Please report the behavior immediately to LCS. We take these complaints very seriously to assure that our schools continue to be safe places.
The Lynchburg City School Board has designated: Annie Terry, Supervisor of Student Services, 915 Court Street Lynchburg, Virginia 24504, [email protected], (434) 515-5005, as the Compliance Officer responsible for identifying, preventing and remedying prohibited discrimination.
Links & Additional Resources
Local & Statewide Immigrant Advocacy - Legal Aid and Justice Center
Immigrant Legal Resource Center