On September 5, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated the orderly phase out of the program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). During this process, Gompers Preparatory Academy remains committed to protecting the right of every child to an education.
GPA is steadfast in our commitment to do everything in our power to support our Dreamers – the students, staff and family members who are DACA recipients. GPA will continue to deliver on its promise to be a safe place for ALL students, and – as always – will not participate in sharing personal information about our students.
Below you will find information and resources to help answer questions that you may have. Gompers Preparatory Academy, San Diego Unified School District and the San Diego County Office of Education maintain our commitment to providing our students with an education in a safe, productive learning environment.
San Diego Unified School District Parent Letter
SAN DIEGO UNIFIED’S LETTER HOME, SEPT 5., 2017
Dear Families:
Our school community believes strongly in the values of tolerance and respect for diversity. We are enriched by the unique background every child brings to our classrooms. This applies equally to all children, no matter where they come from and no matter who their parents are.
Today, President Donald Trump acted to remove the protections afforded to thousands of immigrant students under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Despite this announcement, I wanted to personally assure you the San Diego Unified School District remains committed to protecting the right of every child to an education. All children are welcome in our school community.
San Diego Unified will maintain its commitment to providing ALL students with an education in a safe, productive learning environment. This has been the law of the land since 1982, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that undocumented students have a constitutional right to a free public education. Schools may not discriminate against undocumented students; cannot request information regarding immigration status, and cannot adopt policies or practices that discourage participation by undocumented students or their families, or lead to the exclusion of students based on their or their parents’ or guardians’ actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status.
Following the election last fall, San Diego Unified’s Board of Education passed a resolution affirming its commitment to protecting the rights of all students and their families, regardless of immigration status. Our Board believes strongly that every student has a civil right to a free public education, and is committed to serving all children.
To protect our students and their right to a productive learning environment, I met with both the Immigration and Customs Enforcement service (ICE) and the Border Patrol. Both agencies pledged NOT to conduct immigration enforcement activities at schools. Schools have been considered “sensitive areas,” since 2011, by both ICE and the Border Patrol. As such, they do not carry out raids or other activities on school campuses.
The district is also committed to maintaining the confidentiality rights of students under the Family Educational Rights & Protection Act (“FERPA”). This law prohibits the release of student records without parental consent, including information that might indicate immigration status, unless mandated by law. Therefore, the district will not release your records.
If you or your families have questions about your legal rights, please seek independent legal counsel. If needed, the district’s Family and Community Engagement Department can provide you with information regarding public interest organizations that may be able to provide you with assistance. Their phone number is (619) 209-4553.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Cindy Marten
San Diego County Office of Education Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Last fall, MALDEF issued answers to many frequently asked questions about immigrants’ rights and DACA in this FAQ document for students, educators, and social services providers.
What Do I Need to Know if the DACA Program Ends?
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (available in English, Spanish, and Chinese)
Immigration Law Briefing for Parents: (Presentation moderated by Elizabeth Zamora-Mejia, partner at Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo. Guest speakers are: Gabriel Sandoval from Atkinson, Andelson; Katelyn Brazer from the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles; and Elizabeth Camarena from Casa Cornelia Law Center)
- Video presentation (English / Español)
- Video transcription (English / Español)
- Immigration Law Briefing for Parents / Resumen para Padres de la Ley de Inmigración
(Presentation by Gabriel Sandoval and Elizabeth Zamora-Mejia, partners at Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo) - Know Your Rights / Conozca sus Derechos
(Presentation by Katelyn Brazer, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles) - Changes in the Implementation of Immigration Laws / Cambios en la Implementación de las Leyes Migratorias
(Presentation by Elizabeth Camarena, Casa Cornelia Law Center)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Resources
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States.
