Good afternoon, LCPS families and staff,
In light of recent news reports and enforcement actions happening across the country, many of our families and students have shared concerns about the potential for increased federal immigration enforcement activity here in Loudoun County.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge those concerns and to reassure our entire LCPS community that Loudoun County Public Schools remains committed to ensuring that every student and family feels safe, supported, and welcome in our schools.
As I shared in a message last year, we follow the law. The 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe guarantees all children, regardless of immigration status, access to public education. This decision, rooted in the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, underscores the vital role of public schools in shaping the future. Additionally, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student information and prohibits LCPS from releasing students’ education records, except in very limited circumstances prescribed by law.
While we are limited to how much we can share about LCPS's safety and security operational protocols and practices, in the interests of ensuring public safety, I can definitively share that Federal law enforcement agents do not have access to our schools without proper legal authorization, and all visitors are subject to established security protocols designed to protect students and staff.
Both staff and families who are dealing with fears or emotional challenges as a result of any issue in our community have access to support resources, including through our school Unified Mental Health Teams and our staff EAP services. Families can reach out directly to their school principals to request this support and explore additional mental health resources offered by LCPS.
The division also has family immigration resources and our welcome center for families new to our community, which provides these and additional resources. Find more information about the welcome center on our website.
Your peace of mind and your children’s ability to learn without distraction or fear is a top priority. We will continue to communicate openly with our community and remain dedicated to creating a safe, affirming place for every learner and family we serve. We appreciate your trust in LCPS and remain committed to working in partnership with you to support the success and well-being of every student.
Sincerely,
Aaron Spence, Ed.D.
Superintendent