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Gilroy Unified adopts —Safe Haven— resolution to reassure immigrant families
Summary
The board unanimously adopted a resolution affirming that schools are safe spaces for all students regardless of immigration status, directing staff to post and translate materials and to refer families to community resources rather than immigration enforcement.
The Gilroy Unified School District Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to adopt a resolution reaffirming the district's commitment to equal access to education for all students regardless of immigration status.
Superintendent Dr. Anisha Muni presented the measure as a reassurance to families amid community anxiety and cited Assembly Bill 699 as part of the legislative context for immigrant-related services. —This resolution is intended to reaffirm Gilroy Unified's commitment to ensure equal access to education for all students regardless of immigration status,— Dr. Muni said.
Trustees discussed wording in the resolution and how it will be communicated. One trustee cited the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Plyler v. Doe (1982) to note constitutional protections for access to public education. Board members asked staff how the district would implement and distribute the policy; staff said the resolution would be posted on school websites, included in the district newsletter, distributed in school offices and shared through ParentSquare and community meetings, and that translated copies would be provided and a plan would be made to reach families without internet access.
The resolution directs that school personnel trained to handle immigration-related questions should refer families to community-based organizations and county resources rather than to immigration enforcement, unless shown a lawful court order. Staff said front-office staff, counselors and academic coordinators received training last week and that the district will update its immigration resources page and translated materials following board approval.
The board adopted the resolution in a roll-call vote with all trustees recorded as supporting the measure. The district said it will distribute the resolution to sites and translate it to ensure broad access.
