PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release - June 17, 2025
Contact:
Grace Medrano, (213) 503-0883, grecia.medrano@lausd.net
LA Unified Passes Resolution to Protect Constitutional Rights and Immigrant Communities
Board affirms sanctuary schools, condemns militarization, and calls for legal protections for immigrant families
Los Angeles, CA – In a bold affirmation of democratic values and immigrant rights, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education unanimously passed Resolution 086-24/25, Upholding Our Constitutional Rights and Standing with Immigrant Communities. The resolution reaffirms all LAUSD schools as sanctuary spaces, condemns the federal militarization of immigrant communities, and demands full legal protections for all students, families, and community members—regardless of immigration status.
“As the daughter of immigrants and an advocate for justice, I stand firmly against the criminalization of our communities,” said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. “Our schools must be places of safety and hope—not fear.”
The resolution acknowledges ongoing civil rights threats facing immigrant communities—particularly undocumented and mixed-status families—and commits to protecting their safety and dignity through proactive policy, legal advocacy, and community partnership.
“Nothing can shake our commitment to our immigrant communities for I was once a newcomer, too,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “We will continue to stand alongside our students and their families during this pivotal moment because it is simply the right thing to do. We are actively monitoring students affected by recent immigration enforcement activity and connecting them with support through our community partners. Together, we remain focused on building a community grounded in dignity, equity, and justice for all.”
“We are a country of laws. Laws that entitle everyone to due process, to legal counsel, to freedom from racial profiling, and to work, live, and advocate without fear of intimidation or criminalization. We stand firm, no exceptions,” said Board President Scott M. Schmerelson.
“As the proud daughter of immigrant parents, I recognize the vital role immigrants play to the fabric of this country and as an American, I am dedicated to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their immigration status, are afforded the rights guaranteed by our Constitution and laws,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill.
“As we celebrated graduations across our District, we saw these festivities needlessly tempered by the presence of ICE and the National Guard in our city. This Board and our Superintendent made it a priority to ensure students, staff, and families were kept safe on and near our campuses so that they could safely celebrate their students’ milestones, and we will continue to ensure our campuses are safe and welcoming spaces for our immigrant families,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin.
“Our neighborhoods don’t need Marines and National Guard—we need care, resources, and respect. At LAUSD, we are standing with our immigrant communities to reject this militarization and ensure our schools remain places of safety, learning, and hope—not fear and occupation,” said Board Member Karla Griego.
“As unjust attacks are being waged against immigrant communities across Los Angeles, including the cruel separation of families and children being detained and deported, I am proud that this Board once again is standing with our immigrant students, staff, and families,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “We will not stand by or deter our resolve to protecting every school as a sanctuary for all students, and must continue to invest in greater resources, supports, and communication to ensure the safety of our communities during this traumatic time.”
“I am outraged that our families are being forced to live in fear of what many escaped in their countries of origin – government-sponsored disappearance of children, parents, and neighbors. Most of our board members, myself included, are from immigrant families, and we collectively, unequivocally stand with all immigrant families and will do everything in our power to meet our students’ needs, keep their families together, and uphold the constitutional rights of those speaking on the right side of justice. ¡Juntos somos más fuertes!,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin.
Key provisions include reaffirming LAUSD schools as sanctuary spaces, rejecting the militarization of immigrant communities, ensuring legal access for detainees, defending the right to peaceful protest, and directing the Superintendent to work with community partners to inform and protect immigrant students and families.
This resolution builds upon LAUSD’s long standing designation as a sanctuary school district and is consistent with its 2022–26 Strategic Plan’s commitment to equity, student safety, and the well-being of all learners.
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