Dear Paramount Unified School District Families,
At Paramount Unified School District, we believe every student should feel safe, welcome, and supported at school.
In California, every child has the right to go to school, no matter their immigration status.
California laws, like Assembly Bill 699, provide protections for students and families, including:
- No Discrimination: All students can go to school, join school activities, and get a great education.
- Safe Schools: Immigration officers are not allowed on school campuses without a court order, and we do not ask for social security numbers or immigration status.
- Protecting Privacy: Schools must keep student and family information private. This information cannot be shared for immigration enforcement unless ordered by a court. Confidentiality is of utmost importance to us.
Additionally, our district has adopted policies, like Board Policy 0410 (Non-Discrimination in District Programs and Activities) and Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5145.13 (Response to Immigration Enforcement), to protect our students’ rights. Our staff is prepared to handle concerns about immigration, and know that we do not collect social security numbers, legal residency, or immigration status information.
We understand that changes to immigration laws can be stressful for students and families. If your child is feeling worried or anxious, our school mental health professionals are available to provide support in a safe space.
There are resources available to families to help them manage how changes to immigration policy may help them. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center and the National Immigration Law Center are a few of the many resources available to families. The State of California has developed an Immigration and California Families website with information specific to our state.
We will keep you updated about any changes to immigration laws that may impact our students. Our focus will always be on helping every student feel safe, supported and successful at school.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Sincerely,
Joshua Lightle, Ed.D, Superintendent