Many families from all parts of our community have reached out to staff members or me personally over the last week in response to the last week's rescinding of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Whenever immigration is prominent in the public sphere (especially given the current climate of public discourse), increased uncertainty and anxiety for many of our students and families is to be expected. Stress from uncertainty and anxiety inhibits learning -- anathema to the business of a school.

In an effort to quell some of this uncertainty, the information below is intended to spell out SUHSD policies and protocols for undocumented students/families as well as answer questions you or your students may have as we move forward together. Together, our job is to provide a rigorous, high-quality education to all students who enroll in our school. The Sequoia community has a long history of being strong advocates and allies for students, especially those traditionally marginalized in society such as the disabled, the economically disadvantaged, LGBTQ, and, of course, our undocumented students.

An educational community empowers its students with knowledge. This work is of consequence, never more than in times of turmoil. My message to students who are awakening politically (or angry/fearful/confused about political events) is that education is their most potent form of resistance: get your diploma and go to college -- we're here to help you get there!

Reviewing of SUHSD Policies and Protocols

This resolution passed by the Board of Trustees in December 2016 reaffirms our commitment to educate and support all students regardless of immigration status. As the resolution states, we do not ask for immigration status when students enroll and we will not release student information we do possess without a warrant, subpoena, or court order. The resolution also references the U.S, Supreme Court case Plyer vs. Doe 457 U.S. 202 (1982), which holds that school districts have a constitutional mandate to educate all students residing within their jurisdictional boundaries, regardless of immigration status.

While we have no information that the schools may become a setting from which ICE will seek to enforce immigration laws, our protocols, if such a situation were to arise, are as follows:

In the interests of maintaining student safety and minimizing disruption to the instructional program, law enforcement officers (excluding a regularly scheduled school resource officer) coming onto campus in a non-emergency situation will be asked to check in with the principal. If the matter involves immigration, the superintendent or designee will be immediately contacted and involved. If a law enforcement officer enters a classroom without a school administrator present, the classroom teacher will immediately contact a site administrator and await instructions.

DACA FAQ:

What is it? What is it not?

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It is an Executive Order enacted during the Obama Administration to provide limited immigration benefits to children who accompanied their parents as undocumented immigrants to the US. Among these benefits is the ability to apply for employment authorization (and pay taxes). There is a rigorous screening process. It is not a pathway to citizenship. Deferred Action status can be revoked at any time.

Who was eligible?

DACA eligibility required a US resident to have been:

• under 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012
• continuously residing in the U.S. from June 15, 2007 to the present.
• entered the U.S. without inspection or fell out of lawful visa status before June 15, 2012
• brought to the U.S. while under the age of 16
• present in the United States on June 15, 2012
• in school, graduated from high school, have obtained a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or armed forces
• never convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor, or more than three misdemeanors of any kind
• not a threat to national security or public safety.

Current status of DACA
Attorneys General from 11 states threatened to challenge the constitutionality of DACA. In response to these threats, the current US Attorney General officially rescinded the program in a statement last Tuesday (9/5/11). Those currently protected under DACA were given six months for the program to sunset. Those eligible for renewal within those six months have until October 5th to complete applications to submit paperwork and fees to extend their protections for two more years.

Why it matters at Sequoia
Sequoia student leaders and staff members have long been on the front lines of this civil rights movement. The DREAM Club predates DACA by several years. Many graduates currently receive the limited immigration benefits provided by DACA. It's current status creates great uncertainty and anxiety for them. For example, several Sequoia graduates (including siblings of current students) are presently enrolled in graduate school and, without DACA, may find themselves with no way to obtain lawful employment upon completing their studies.

How can I get more information?

Good resources here, here, and here.

Thanks to the parents and families who make this community a place of friends for all students!

Best,
Sean

--

Sean Priest
Principal
Sequoia High School
650-367-9780 x60010

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