Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is aware of concerns about the ongoing debate over U.S. immigration policy and enforcement. Please be assured that, despite the evolving political discussion, school division policies and procedures remain unchanged. PWCS remains committed to the safety and peace of mind of all students, staff, and community members, regardless of race, color, or national origin, or to educating all students, regardless of their immigration status.
PWCS remains committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment and quality education for all.
As in the past, when the legal status of students and their families was the subject of heightened anxiety, PWCS will follow existing division policies and regulations prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. This reflects the 1982 Supreme Court decision that held that public schools must educate all students regardless of their immigration status.
Currently, we are not aware of heightened immigration-related enforcement at PWCS school buildings.
PWCS is not aware of any efforts by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) or local law enforcement authorities to enter PWCS schools to arrest or detain students, parents, or staff. On January 21, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced that ICE is now authorized to conduct enforcement activities at schools and other locations previously considered to be “protected areas.” If enforcement actions are taken at PWCS schools, PWCS will follow its existing policies and regulations governing access to students and student record information by law enforcement entities.
As always, PWCS will protect the legal rights of all students and staff in our schools.
If ICE or law enforcement seeks access to schools, they must provide legal justification and await PWCS approval to protect the rights of students and staff.
PWCS does not ask about immigration status and does not share student information without appropriate legal justification.
PWCS does not inquire about the immigration status of students and their families. Additionally, PWCS will only release confidential student information/records to law enforcement authorities in accordance with state and federal laws governing such disclosure.
We encourage families to ensure their PWCS emergency contact information is up to date. This will assist us in reaching the people you designate in any situation that may arise. Families may also wish to review their decision related to the voluntary disclosure of directory information and contact information, and should contact your child's school to update information.
For more information on registering students in PWCS, visit the Global Welcome Center webpage.