Dear MHUSD Parents/Guardians and Families,
We are aware of the increased anxiety surrounding recent executive orders related to immigration and recognize the challenges and uncertainties many of our students, families, and staff members currently face. For many in our community, the weight of these uncertainties is overwhelming.
As I’ve often stated, our collective work and its impact extends beyond the walls of the classroom, school buildings, and offices; our work calls us to serve as a source of stability, compassion, and support for our school community.
By law, all children in the United States, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, have the right to a free and appropriate public education (Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 [1982]), and every student in California has the right to attend public school free from discrimination, harassment, violence, intimidation, and bullying (California Education Code [EC] 220, 234, et seq.).
MHUSD has established important protections for students “irrespective of their immigration status, ethnicity, race, religion, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio- economic status.” We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining our schools as safe and welcoming environments for all students and families. (See Resolution No. 2016-17 039: Morgan Hill Unified School Sites as Safe Spaces, adopted by the Board in January 2017)
Federal and state laws protect student education records and personal information. The district does not collect immigration or citizenship information.
There are many state and county resources available to our community. For our community’s benefit, we are linking these resources on the front page of the mhusd.org website or under the Family Resources tab. This page will be updated frequently to reflect the latest information. Quick links to some of these resources can be found below.
Furthermore, we are partnering with local community-based organizations to provide additional resources, trainings, and free legal consultations for those that find themselves with immigration related questions/situations. More information on these trainings are forthcoming.
It is important that we continue to support our students, their families, and one another, and remember that central to our mission is that, in partnership with parents and the community, we create learning environments where all students learn and are empowered to achieve their unique potential. Thank you for all you do to make our schools safe places where every single student is valued, feels safe, and can thrive.
In partnership,
Dr. Carmen García
Superintendent
Quick Links for Information and Resources
- MHUSD Immigration Resources Webpage: Immigrant Student and Family Resources
- MHUSD Board Resolution: MHUSD School Sites as Safe Places for All (2016-2017 039)
- AB 699 Mandates Support for Immigrant Families
- Guide for Students and Families in English and Español at https://oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources. Additional languages will be available in the coming days.
- Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan - English and Español
- We Have Rights – Step Forward Foundation videos and Free Immigration Consultations
- Amigos De Guadalupe - Offers free consultations with immigration attorneys
- California: Immigration and California Families
- If you need immediate assistance, please call the Rapid Response line: (408) 290-1144
- We Have Rights, supported by a local community-based partner, has provided several videos outlining how to prepare for and safely defend your rights during encounters with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE). These videos are available in various languages (English, Español, عرب, 中文, KREYÒL AYISYEN, РУССКИЙ, اردو( and can also be found on the MHUSD resources webpage linked above.