LAUSD Superintendent Addresses ICE Presence and Protects Student Rights

LAUSD's Stance on Immigration Enforcement

• 💡 Superintendent Alberto Carvalho addressed rumors of ICE targeting a fifth-grade graduation, interpreting federal presence as clouds of injustice, fear, and intimidation.
• 🎯 LA Unified is committed to protecting the rights and opportunities of every child, workforce member, and family without question.
• ⚖️ The district asserts it stands on the right side of the law, upholding the constitutional right to a free, high-quality public education for all students, regardless of immigration status.

Safe Spaces and Student Rights

• 🏫 Schools are declared safe places for education and inspiration, not fear and intimidation.
• 📚 Every student has a right to free meals, counseling, social-emotional support, and mental support, irrespective of their immigration status.
• ✊ The district emphasizes a moral and professional responsibility to protect and inspire children and families, drawing from personal experiences of immigration.

Addressing Fear and Intimidation

• ⚠️ Federal vans parked near schools are interpreted as actions of intimidation, potentially leading to self-deportation, which the district opposes.
• 🗽 The Superintendent invoked the image of Lady Liberty, suggesting that actions instilling fear would extinguish her flame, signifying a loss of America's role as a beacon of hope.
• 🚫 Community partners, elected officials, and labor leaders stand united, stating "Not on our watch" shall people trample over children's rights or be intimidated.

Support Systems and Resources

• 📞 Parents with fragile immigration status are encouraged to update emergency contact information via the parent portal or in person.
• 🆘 A family hotline (213-443-1300) is active 24/7 to provide support, direct concerns to free legal aid, and address issues.
• 🧑‍🏫 Teachers, counselors, and support staff are also experiencing a mental health crisis due to what they witness, with a family wellness resource line and employee assistance service available.

Graduation and Summer Programs

• 🎓 Graduation ceremonies are protected sites, with the LAUSD police directed to establish safety perimeters and intervene if federal agencies take action.
• 💻 Zoom opportunities are available for parents to witness ceremonies online if direct attendance is a concern.
• ☀️ The "Summer of Joy" program (June 17-July 16) will operate with amplified services, including transportation and virtual options, to ensure students receive academic acceleration, enrichment, and food despite current fears.
• 🤝 Collaboration with Mayor Bass, the governor, and the congressional delegation is underway to coordinate support systems and protection for students, including expanded transportation and necessary waivers.