Support for Our Families

graaphic depicting diverse people in a circle of support

Dear MHUSD Parents/Guardians and Families,

We are aware of the increased anxiety surrounding recent executive orders related to immigration and recognize the challenges and uncertainties many of our students, families, and staff members currently face. For many in our community, the weight of these uncertainties is overwhelming.

As I’ve often stated, our collective work and its impact extends beyond the walls of the classroom, school buildings, and offices; our work calls us to serve as a source of stability, compassion, and support for our school community.

By law, all children in the United States, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, have the right to a free and appropriate public education (Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 [1982]), and every student in California has the right to attend public school free from discrimination, harassment, violence, intimidation, and bullying (California Education Code [EC] 220, 234, et seq.).

MHUSD has established important protections for students “irrespective of their immigration status, ethnicity, race, religion, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio- economic status.” We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining our schools as safe and welcoming environments for all students and families. (See Resolution No. 2016-17 039: Morgan Hill Unified School Sites as Safe Spaces, adopted by the Board in January 2017)

Federal and state laws protect student education records and personal information. The district does not collect immigration or citizenship information.

There are many state and county resources available to our community. For our community’s benefit, we are linking these resources on the front page of the mhusd.org website or under the Family Resources tab. This page will be updated frequently to reflect the latest information. Quick links to some of these resources can be found below.

Furthermore, we are partnering with local community-based organizations to provide additional resources, trainings, and free legal consultations for those that find themselves with immigration related questions/situations. More information on these trainings are forthcoming.

It is important that we continue to support our students, their families, and one another, and remember that central to our mission is that, in partnership with parents and the community, we create learning environments where all students learn and are empowered to achieve their unique potential. Thank you for all you do to make our schools safe places where every single student is valued, feels safe, and can thrive.

 

In partnership,

Dr. Carmen García
Superintendent

 

Quick Links for Information and Resources