The Sunnyvale School District (SSD) Board of Education voted to reaffirm the district’s commitment to its immigrant community on Sept. 4 by passing a Board Resolution to limit immigration enforcement on school grounds and safeguard all students. The resolution embodies the district’s commitment to protecting each child’s equitable access to education, regardless of their immigration status.
According to the Board, the resolution aligns with the district’s own values as well as state and federal laws. The resolution states:
- We will not allow immigration-enforcement officers on our campuses.
- We protect student confidentiality and personal information. We will not share personal information about students or families with immigration enforcement.
- All requests for access or information by immigration enforcement officers must be immediately directed to the Superintendent’s office, where they will be reviewed in consultation with District legal counsel before any action is taken.
“Students need to be and feel safe at school in order to learn,” said Board of Education President Bridget Watson. “Passing this resolution was a vital step in reaffirming our commitment to every student and family within our district. Our schools must serve as safe havens for all children, and this resolution sends a clear message that we are dedicated to protecting their right to an equitable education, regardless of their immigration status.”
Reaffirming the resolution is one of many actions taken by the school district to educate and protect immigrant families. District leadership has worked with California Senator Aisha Wahab through advocacy and coalition-building, as well as by co-hosting a Know Your Rights Town Hall in August to inform and empower immigrant families.
The district is also an active participant in the Immigrant Protection and Empowerment Network (IPEN) for School Leaders, which trains school districts throughout Santa Clara County on how to support students more effectively while staying aligned with current laws. A recent workshop included legal training by Santa Clara County CounselMarcello Quiñones.
View the resolution by clicking here.
View SSD’s Immigrant Support Resources webpage by clicking here.
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