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Pacific Grove Unified leaders reaffirm protections for immigrant students ahead of community event
Summary
At a special Pacific Grove Unified School District board meeting, Superintendent Adamson and trustees publicly reaffirmed the district’s commitment to keeping schools safe and welcoming for all students amid uncertainty about possible federal immigration-policy changes.
Superintendent Adamson told the Pacific Grove Unified School District board at a special meeting that “our schools remain safe spaces of learning where every student belongs and has the opportunity to thrive. Our commitment to protecting and supporting all students, regardless of their background or circumstances, stands firm and unchanging.”
The remarks came during a brief period set aside for board comment before a scheduled governance training. Adamson said the statement will also be shared with the community ahead of a district engagement event later this week, and called on district stakeholders to “recommit” to the district’s posted pledge emphasizing safety, belonging and prosperity for every student.
Board President Dr. Hazen echoed the superintendent’s message, saying on behalf of the board that the district must remain “a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for every student, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.” Vice President McNary and other trustees spoke in agreement.
Trustee Joseph Schwase noted the board’s legal obligations and framed the district’s stance in statutory terms, saying, “we are required by law to [educate] children without regard to immigration status where we can't even know what their status is,” and urged the board to reassure impacted families.
Other trustees who spoke during the comment period — including Trustee Jesse Watts and Trustees Atmar, Shamas and Wax — described concern about the potential trauma to students and families and expressed support for maintaining schools as places where all children can learn without fear. Watts said removing a child from campus in front of classmates would be “horribly traumatic,” underscoring the board’s focus on student welfare.
The board did not take any formal policy action at this meeting related to immigration enforcement. Trustees said the superintendent and staff will continue to be the district’s point of contact for follow-up, and that the district will provide information to families and staff about resources and protections as appropriate.
The statement and the board’s public reaffirmations were presented ahead of the board’s planned governance-training session and were timed to precede a community engagement event scheduled for Wednesday evening.
