SFUSD board unanimously condemns Arizona immigration and ethnic‑studies laws, bans district‑funded travel to Arizona

The San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution June 22 condemning Arizona’s recently enacted laws — Senate Bill 1070 and House Bill 2281 — and directing that no district funds be spent on travel to conferences or meetings in Arizona until the laws are rescinded.

The resolution, introduced at a special meeting called for that purpose, was read in full by legal counsel Maribel Medina. It cites the April 23, 2010 signing of SB 1070 and alleges the law encourages racial profiling, noting concerns about conflicts with Fourteenth Amendment due‑process and equal‑protection guarantees. The text also condemns HB 2281’s prohibition on teaching ethnic studies and references the district’s prior resolutions supporting ethnic‑studies programs and opposing practices that deter undocumented students from accessing public education.

Superintendent Garcia, who proposed the resolution, framed the action as a demonstration of the district’s commitment to social justice and civil rights. Multiple board members voiced support during the discussion, and the board directed staff to send the resolution with a cover letter to the district’s membership organizations and relevant professional associations.

The board’s vote was unanimous. The resolution says the board will reconsider lifting the travel prohibition only if the Arizona Legislature and executive rescind the cited laws.

The board took the step without public comment during the special meeting; the item was agendized and approved after suspension of the rules to allow immediate consideration.