Pomona Unified board votes unanimously to back state bills protecting students from in‑school immigration enforcement

The Pomona Unified School District Board of Education on Jan. 15 adopted a resolution supporting two pending state bills intended to limit immigration enforcement activity at schools and to protect the civil rights, safety and dignity of students and families.

Superintendent Darren Knowles presented the proposed Resolution No. 16 and recommended the board direct the superintendent and district staff to take legally supported measures to accomplish the bills’ goals, including drafting or updating district policies and providing site‑level training. The board approved the resolution unanimously in a recorded roll‑call vote.

Mr. Knowles said district leaders have heard heightened fear among families following federal policy proposals and that the district’s ability to reduce chronic absenteeism is tied to reassuring families that schools are safe, neutral places for children to learn. He said staff is already working with Los Angeles County Office of Education and local community groups on “know your rights” training and would expand site training materials based on state attorney resources.

Public commenters urged the board to adopt the resolution and described the potential trauma and absenteeism that immigration enforcement actions can cause. Speakers noted historical examples in which children were separated from parents and said the bills, if enacted, would require judicial warrants and other safeguards for enforcement actions at schools.

The motion to adopt Resolution No. 16 was made by Mr. Jimenez and seconded by Dr. Perlman. The vote was 5‑0 in favor. The district will proceed with policy and training work to implement the protections described in the resolution and will continue outreach to families and community partners to encourage attendance.