Committee approves DESE 'Protect Act' model policy on interactions with law enforcement

The Worcester School Committee voted to approve a model policy (ACL) that the administration said is time‑sensitive and aligns with the Massachusetts Protect Act and DESE guidance on interactions with law enforcement. Committee members said the policy includes procedural changes schools must adopt when law enforcement — including ICE — seeks access to students or school records.

One member described the Protect Act as requiring school districts to name designated contacts (for example, the superintendent and each school's principal) and to provide staff training on the policy. Committee members called the item "time sensitive" because the law was enacted recently and certain provisions require prompt adoption and staff preparation.

Following discussion, a member moved and the committee approved the motion to adopt the model policy that night. The clerk called the roll and the motion passed.