Dear EUSD Community,
We want to take a moment to acknowledge the recent increase in immigration enforcement activity throughout Encinitas, including near our school campuses. We recognize the concern and uncertainty this activity has created for many of our students, families, and staff.
We want to reaffirm that EUSD stands firmly with every family in our community. Our highest priority is ensuring that our schools remain safe, welcoming, and supportive places for all students and families, regardless of immigration status. We are deeply committed to treating every student with dignity and respect, supporting the well-being of our families, and celebrating the diversity and unique contributions that strengthen our school community.
Every student in our district has the right to equal access to a free public education, regardless of immigration status, as affirmed by the California Department of Justice. EUSD does not solicit or collect information about the citizenship or immigration status of students or their families, nor does the District assist with immigration enforcement at school sites except as required by state or federal law.
As outlined in EUSD Board Policy 5145.13 and Administrative Regulation 5145.13, our staff's priority is to protect the confidentiality, safety, and well-being of all students and families.
All school principals, office staff, and community liaisons have received updated guidance and training on the District's established protocols regarding immigration enforcement including the following:
- Protecting Student and Family Information: If staff receive a verbal or written request for information regarding a student's or family's immigration or citizenship status, they are instructed to uphold and protect the legal rights of students and their families.
- Maintaining Confidentiality: District staff will not disclose student information to immigration authorities for immigration enforcement purposes without a court order or judicial subpoena.
- Restricting Access to School Campuses: Immigration enforcement officers, including ICE agents, are not permitted to enter nonpublic areas of school campuses unless they present valid identification and a valid judicial warrant, subpoena, or court order authorizing access, or unless immediate exigent circumstances exist.
- Following Established Procedures: If an immigration enforcement officer approaches anyone on a school campus during school hours, they should be directed to the school principal or designated school personnel. Staff have been provided clear procedures for responding to these situations, including who to notify and the appropriate steps to take.
- Protecting Students During Interviews or Searches: The District must obtain consent from parents or guardians before officers seeking to enforce civil immigration laws interview or search a student, unless a judicial warrant or subpoena restricts disclosure to the parent or guardian.
- Providing Documentation to Families: Staff will provide students and parents or guardians with any documents presented by immigration officers unless disclosure is prohibited by a subpoena served on the District.
- Supporting Students' Emotional Well-Being: Our community liaisons are available to provide additional support to students who may be experiencing stress, anxiety, or trauma related to immigration enforcement activity. They continue to check in with students who may need additional support and connect with families to discuss available resources, including school-based counseling services when appropriate.
We also want to remind families that support and resources are available. Our community liaisons continue to work individually with families at each school site to help connect them with the information, resources, and assistance they may need. For contact information and additional resources, please visit our Immigration Supports webpage or contact your school office.
We are grateful for the strength of our EUSD community and the compassion and support our families, staff, and neighbors continue to show one another. Our District leadership and Board of Trustees remain unwavering in our commitment to the safety and well-being of every student. We will continue working to ensure that all EUSD schools are places where every child and family feels safe, supported, and a true sense of belonging.
Sincerely,
Dr. Andrée Grey
Superintendent
Encinitas Union School District
