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School district and city outline resources after reaffirming sanctuary city stance
Summary
Hillsborough School District and city officials described a one‑page guide on legal protections, outreach plans, multilingual resources and a planned webinar as part of renewed sanctuary‑city and safe‑and‑welcoming efforts; district board passed a resolution in January.
City and Hillsborough School District officials described steps taken to reassure immigrant families and to codify those assurances after the city reaffirmed its sanctuary‑city stance and the school board passed a related resolution in January.
Beth Grazer, communications officer for the district, said the board adopted a one‑page document anchored to federal and state law and relevant Supreme Court precedent that explains what schools can and cannot be compelled to do. Simone Brooks, assistant city manager, said the city has coordinated outreach with community groups, the police department and legal partners to clarify roles and to avoid creating false promises of protection.
District staff described concrete materials and programs: a “know your rights” packet (ILRC red card) translated into multiple languages, an online resource hub at the district site (/safeandwelcoming schools), a downloadable planning packet for families (emergency contacts, guardianship guidance), and hard‑copy brochures for school offices. City staff said they are planning a webinar for May or June to explain what sanctuary status does and does not provide, and to help families avoid fraudulent immigration‑advice providers.
“Those fears were now at the forefront,” Beth Grazer said, describing prior disruptions and schoolwide student actions when enforcement fears rose. Simone Brooks said the city has met with the Latino Policy Council, faith‑based organizations and business groups, and that the police department produced a trifold brochure showing uniforms and badge imagery so residents can distinguish city officers from other federal agents.
Officials emphasized that the guidance is explicit about legal limits: schools generally do not have to allow access to students absent a valid judicial warrant and are not required to provide personnel, money or other assistance to federal immigration enforcement. Staff said they have provided professional development to registrars, office managers and family outreach liaisons so building staff understand the limits and procedures. City and district staff also said they will continue coordination with community‑based organizations (for example, Adelante and other local groups) to distribute materials and reach families.
