On Tuesday, minutes after the Los Angeles City Council passed an ordinance making Los Angeles a sanctuary city, the Los Angeles Unified School Board followed suit, adopting a resolution making itself a sanctuary district.
With this resolution, the board reiterates its commitment to protecting students and families in the district and calls for training for teachers and staff on how to respond if approached by federal immigration authorities.
The resolution also prohibits school district employees from voluntarily complying with immigration authorities, including sharing information about a student’s immigration status.
In response to the resolution, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho will develop a plan within 60 days outlining the district’s support for immigrant students and staff.
The plan includes “all teachers, administrators, and other staff to respond to federal and immigration officials requesting information about students, families, and staff, or attempting to enter school grounds. ” A thorough effort to communicate the district’s conservation policies and plans to all families in the district in the language they speak. ”
Carvalho said the district will utilize all legal tools available to protect immigrants, regardless of their immigration status.
“We are a protection system that serves immigrant communities,” he said. “We have a professional and moral duty and responsibility to protect not only our students, but also our employees and their families.”
District officials also warned there would be pushback from the Trump administration.
“Be prepared to deal with misinformation. Be prepared to deal with any action from Washington,” board member Monica Garcia said.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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