Dear Parents, Students and Employees:
President Trump today suspended the 2012 federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which enables “Dreamers” – young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children – to live, study and work in the United States. The President’s action phases out the program over the next six months, leaving the fates of Dreamers in the hands of Congress.
Today’s action by the President runs counter to our school district’s firm commitment to all students regardless of immigration status. Likewise, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today condemned today’s action, noting that more than 200,000 Dreamers live in California.
“I want to let all those students know that the American Dream remains safe and secure in California,” Torlakson said. “Our great state will continue supporting these terrific students and their families.”
Today’s action by the President does not change the way we serve our students. We in the Long Beach Unified School District also will continue to do everything in our power to protect students regardless of nationality, immigration status, religion or other factors. Earlier this year, our Board of Education unanimously passed an official resolution reaffirming this commitment. That commitment still stands.
In recent months we have provided schools additional resources including “Know Your Rights” fact sheets and other support materials to help students and families who may be dealing with this issue. Our counselors and other staff will continue to assist any students who may be worried about any aspect of their future.
Today our school district reiterates that our role as public school educators is to welcome and serve all students who arrive at the schoolhouse door, regardless of their situation in life. We embrace diversity as a strength in our schools. We will not participate in potential federal enforcement actions based upon immigration status. We will do all we can to prevent unwarranted intrusions or distractions that might interfere with the high-quality teaching and learning that happens every day in our schools.
Sincerely,
Christopher J. Steinhauser
Superintendent of Schools
