All are welcome in our schools.
The Berkeley Board of Education respects the diversity of our staff, students and families.
All students have the right to attend school.
We will not ask for the immigration status or religious affiliation of the student, or the student’s family members.
All parents and families are encouraged to become involved in our schools and their child’s education.
School District Policies and Practices Support the Rights and Dignity of all Students
We want you to know that our district rejects all discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, disability and sexual orientation.
On December 7, 2016, the Berkeley Unified School District Board of Education adopted an official policy that provides protections to immigrant families and affirms the right of undocumented children to a public education. This right has also been upheld by the United States Supreme Court in a case called Plyler v. Doe.
On January 25, 2017, the Board adopted a resolution that reiterates its position that all students have the right to attend our public schools, regardless of the immigration status or religious affiliation of the student or of the student’s family members.
On April 26, 2017 the Board adopted a policy designed to protect students and employees from any attempt at a government registry on the basis of religion. The approved policy is here (PDF).
Because it is our duty and responsibility to provide each child in our District with a high quality public education in a safe and nurturing environment, we have given these directions to the staff at our schools:
- Our staff will not request information or make a record of information on the immigration status of a student or family member. Furthermore, students and families will not be required to provide a social security number for school forms.
- If the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency asks for access to a school or for access to student information, they will be politely denied and referred directly to the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services who will refer the matter to the District’s legal counsel.
- Anyone in our schools seeking answers to questions about immigration will be referred to local non-profit immigration law organizations, such as the East Bay Community Law Center and the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant or other recommended resources available on the district website.
