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Central Union Unified board declares district a ‘safe haven’; public speakers urge protections for immigrant students
Summary
The Central Union High School District board adopted a resolution declaring the district a safe haven for students, directing the superintendent to adopt practices aligned with AB 699 and other state guidance; speakers from ACLU and community members urged passage during public comment.
The Central Union High School District Board of Trustees on Feb. 11 adopted a resolution recognizing the district as a safe haven for students and directing the superintendent to implement district protocols to protect students and families regardless of immigration status.
The resolution directs the superintendent to support creation of a safe-haven district by "welcoming all students, staff, and their families, valuing their diverse backgrounds regardless of immigration status," and to adhere to AB 699 and related California guidance about immigration enforcement and school data protections.
The resolution frames the policy as a measure to maintain safe, stable and nurturing school environments and to limit interruptions and questioning on campus related to immigration enforcement. It also directs the superintendent to work with local government and community organizations to ensure families are offered protected space and affirms the superintendent's authority to protect personally identifiable information to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Public commenters told trustees the resolution was necessary. Marilyn Carrillo, community liaison with the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties, said the ACLU supports the measure and argued that fear of immigration enforcement can harm learning. "When communities are fearful of immigration enforcement actions ... it impacts every aspect of society," Carrillo said, noting AB 699 prohibits immigration enforcement on school grounds and urging a yes vote. Brian Vega, a resident, urged trustees to "promote and protect a safe education environment for your students," saying many students come from immigrant or migrant families. Katia (Katia/Katya) Lara described historical and cultural context for immigration and told the board the resolution is "just the first step" and urged further transparency and staff training.
The board adopted the resolution in a roll-call vote. The transcript records one recorded no vote, with a majority voting in favor; the resolution was adopted and the board instructed the superintendent to implement the stated protocols.
Trustees did not adopt new, specific operational rules at the meeting beyond directing the superintendent to follow state law and existing California Attorney General guidance and to pursue coordination with county and community partners. The resolution references Plyler v. Doe (U.S. Supreme Court) and California education code provisions noted in the text.
The board returned to closed session later in the meeting and, as recorded at adjournment, approved a superintendent recommendation to reject claim 021125-001; no further action on that item was recorded publicly.
