Virginia Beach School Board Approves Changes to Seclusion and Student Protest Policies

New policies aim to limit seclusion and clarify rules for student-led demonstrations on school grounds.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Virginia Beach School Board voted unanimously to adopt a new policy that replaces regulations on physical restraint and seclusion of students, as well as amendments that redefine the policy governing student-led demonstrations on school grounds. The seclusion policy changes come more than a year after the death of 11-year-old Joshua Sikes, whose mother filed a lawsuit alleging he was placed in a "makeshift prison" by teachers. The student demonstration policy clarifies the approval process and rules for such events.

Why it matters

The policy changes address two high-profile issues that have been debated by the school board for months. The seclusion policy aims to limit the use of such measures, while the student demonstration policy seeks to balance student free speech rights with school safety concerns, especially after a recent city-wide student walkout protest.

The details

The new seclusion policy bans dedicated seclusion rooms in schools and says restraint or seclusion should only be used "when an imminent risk of or an emergency arises and other interventions are, or would be, ineffective." The student demonstration policy outlines the approval process students must go through with principals before organizing events, as well as rules around unruly behavior and board members observing the protests.

  • In November 2024, 11-year-old Joshua Sikes died after being placed in a "makeshift prison" by teachers at Pembroke Elementary School.
  • On February 10, 2026, the school board identified five seclusion rooms being used at two different schools.
  • On February 25, 2026, the school board voted unanimously to adopt the new seclusion and student demonstration policies.

The players

Joshua Sikes

An 11-year-old student at Pembroke Elementary School who died in November 2024 after being placed in a "makeshift prison" by teachers.

Julie Xirau

Joshua Sikes' mother, who filed a lawsuit alleging her son's death and addressed the school board during the public comment period.

Virginia Beach School Board

The governing body that voted unanimously to adopt the new seclusion and student demonstration policies.

Carolyn Weems

The school board vice chair and chair of the Policy Review Committee, who noted that completely removing seclusion could limit educators' options in controlling volatile situations.

Alveta J. Green

A school board member who said the new policy was a step in the right direction but more work is needed.

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What they’re saying

“My son experienced seclusion. And I live every day with consequences that cannot be reversed by policy change. Nothing can bring my child back, but you all have the actual power to prevent this from ever happening again.”

— Julie Xirau, Joshua Sikes' mother (pilotonline.com)

“This has come a long ways. I hope that we will continue to have dialogue. But we still need to do more.”

— Alveta J. Green, School Board Member (pilotonline.com)

“This is a very, very, very collaborative piece of work. We listened to the comments made from the dais. We tried to come up with something that we can all support. The safety of our students is paramount while, of course, giving them their First Amendment and Freedom of Speech.”

— Carolyn Weems, School Board Vice Chair and Policy Review Committee Chair (pilotonline.com)

What’s next

The school board will continue to monitor the implementation of the new seclusion and student demonstration policies and make any necessary adjustments based on feedback from the community.

The takeaway

The policy changes represent an effort by the Virginia Beach School Board to balance student safety, free speech rights, and accountability following the tragic death of a student. While not a complete solution, the new policies aim to limit the use of seclusion and provide clearer guidelines for student-led protests on school grounds.