Immigration Resources
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RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS AND FAMILIESTop of Page
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Superintendent's Statement on Immigration Enforcement Issues and Community ResourcesTop of Page
Dear East Side Community:
Recent statements and actions by the Trump Administration have created concern, uncertainty and anxiety in our District community.
Our greater community has the highest percentage of immigrants in the entire Bay Area. These students and families are an integral part of our community and add to the mosaic of cultures and languages that comprise our schools. Many of our students are immigrants and many of our students have families where one or more of their parents are immigrants who might have immigration status related issues. These students and their families are now facing unique challenges and concerns as federal authorities announce measures to increase immigration enforcement.
I share the concerns and anxiety our District community is experiencing in these changing times. As these events unfold, the District remains committed to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students, regardless of immigration status. While leadership in the federal government has changed, here is what has not changed in our District and the assurances we can provide you:
- All children have the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status. That is the law.
- Federal and state law protect the privacy of student records and information and school staff do not share that information unless required by state law or pursuant to a court order or warrant.
- Our District policy specifically states that our staff do not solicit or collect information regarding citizenship or immigration status of students and their families, unless it is required by law.
- All students in our schools have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and the right to learn in an environment free from discrimination and bullying on the basis of their immigration status.
I am committed to ensuring that these fundamental principles continue to be followed and observed in our schools and in our programs.
I am mindful that the changes implemented by the federal government have occurred with dizzying speed. What was federal policy or practice last week may no longer be the case. The District administration and the District’s legal advisors are monitoring developments in this area and I am collaborating with educational and civic leaders in our community to share information and best practices. We remain vigilant, but we don’t know what the future holds.
As a precautionary measure, I am reminding District staff that they must immediately notify my office if they receive any request from an immigration enforcement official for detainer of a student, information about a student, or access to a school site, classrooms or program, so that my team may take steps to ensure the officer is properly authorized and so that the District may seek legal advice and intervention, as needed, to protect student and parent information. If a student is identified or detained by enforcement authorities, we will notify the student’s parents or guardians as soon as possible.
Finally, I encourage all families affected by the recent changes and developments to learn more about your rights and develop a plan. Here are some links to community resources to help you do so:
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center: Family Preparedness Plan
- Guide for Students and Families
- Quick Reference for School Officials
- Safe Schools & Resources for Immigrant Students
In community,
Glenn Vander Zee
Superintendent
East Side Union High School District
Letter to Community: English | Spanish | Vietnamese
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Rapid Response NetworkTop of Page
The Rapid Response Network (RRN) in Santa Clara County is a community defense project developed to protect immigrant families from deportation threats and to provide accompaniment support during and after a community member’s arrest or detention.
Anyone can call the 24/7 HOTLINE (408) 290-1144 to report ICE activity in our county and receive help in real time.