From threats of massive deportations, to claims he will build a massive wall between the U.S. and Mexico, candidate, and now President-elect Donald Trump’s positions on immigration have created concern, and fear among undocumented U.S. residents.
The questions about what will happen with the immigration issue after Donald Trump has elected has filtered down to the region’s schools. Dr. Christine Walker is Superintendent of the Hueneme Elementary School District. Walker says many kids have had fears that they, or their families will be deported.
A number of school districts on the Central and South Coasts have taken stands on the issue, to try to provide some reassurance to students, and parents.
The Hueneme Elementary School Board, the Oxnard Union High School District, and the Santa Maria Union High School District are among those which have passed “safe haven” resolutions. They say they won’t provide information on student immigration status to the government. Walker says that immigration status isn’t even a question asked during the student registration process.
Diana Perez is a board member for the Santa Maria District, and brought the resolution to her board. She says it’s important that kids, and parents feel safe with their schools, and understand that they won’t be supplying information to the federal government. Perez admits one of the hardest things for students, and parents is not knowing what the Trump Administration will actually do after taking office later this week.
She, and others from districts which passed “safe haven” resolutions hope that the actions will provide some assurance to families that they don’t have to worry about the schools acting as an extension of the federal government in gathering information on them.
