We want to reiterate our commitment to protecting the right of every student to attend public school, regardless of immigration status of the student or of the student’s family members.
Immediately following the last presidential election, 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.
At our most recent (June 27) Board meeting, the Board approved a revised version of that policy in order to take advantage of best practices and guidance from around the state. English and Spanish versions of the revised policy are accessible on the District website.
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 referred directly to the Superintendent, 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.
The core values of our District continue to guide us through these times: Our students are our priority. We take pride in our diversity. We hold high expectations for ourselves and our students. We treat each other with respect and act with integrity.
If you have questions, please contact your school principal or call the Superintendent’s Office at 510-644-6206.