Dear Quaker Valley School District, Families, and Community Members,
Recently, the District has received an increase in questions from our families and community regarding how the District would respond if non-local law enforcement, which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), were to come to one of our schools. We appreciate families reaching out and would like to share a general overview of our policies and procedures.
The safety, well-being, and privacy of our students and staff remain our highest priorities. While public schools are not a sanctuary from lawful law enforcement action, students and staff do not abandon their rights when they enter school property. The District maintains clear School Board policies and administrative procedures designed to balance these principles and ensure compliance with all applicable laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Pennsylvania law.
If a non-local law enforcement officer including ICE agent comes to a school building, administrators are directed to:
- Remain calm and professional.
- Request identification and official documentation explaining the purpose of the visit.
- Require a valid judicial warrant, court order, subpoena, or other legally sufficient authorization before granting access to a student, staff member, or student records.
- Immediately contact the District’s legal counsel and central administration for guidance before taking any action.
Without proper legal documentation, school officials will not provide access to the building, to students or staff, or a release of student records. Federal law protects the privacy of student information, and the District does not disclose records unless legally required to do so.
Our Quaker Valley School District Police Officers work in close partnership with building administrators to ensure that all interactions with non-local law enforcement are handled in accordance with District policy, state and federal law, and established safety protocols.
If a lawful warrant or court order is presented, the District will comply as required by law while taking reasonable steps to minimize disruption to the school day and protect the dignity of the individual(s) involved. To the fullest extent permitted by law, parents or guardians will be notified promptly if their child is involved in any interaction with non-local law enforcement.
Our administrators and school police officers are trained to follow established procedures so that any interaction with outside law enforcement is handled carefully, lawfully, and with sensitivity.
We remain committed to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students and staff.
Sincerely,
The Quaker Valley School District