Dear Brentwood Union School District Families,
On Wednesday, February 19th, the Brentwood Union School District Board of Education passed the attached "Brentwood Schools are Safe and Welcoming for All Students" resolution by a vote of 5-0. During their discussion, the Board reinforced their belief that our students are best positioned to succeed academically when they and their families feel welcome and safe in our schools. Should any family have questions and/or need support, please contact your school office. We are committed to the success and safety of all of our students.
Brentwood Schools are Safe and Welcoming for All Students Brentwood Union School District
Resolution #2025-04
Whereas, the Brentwood Union School District Board of Education is committed to the success of all students irrespective of their immigration status, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability, sex and gender identity, social economic status or ideological beliefs;
Whereas, the Board of Education embraces the diversity of our students and families and the rich language and cultural assets they bring to our district and strongly supports and encourages the participation of all parents and families in our schools;
Whereas, all students have a right to attend school regardless of their immigration status. The United States Supreme Court in 1982 ruled in Plyler v. Doe that public schools were prohibited from denying students access to elementary and secondary public education based on their immigration status, citing that children have little control over their immigration status, the lifelong harm it would inflict on the child and society itself, and constitutional equal protection rights;
Whereas, State and Federal laws prohibit educational agencies from disclosing personally identifiable student information to law enforcement without the consent of a parent or guardian, a court order or lawful subpoena or in the case of an actual emergency;
Whereas, reports of potential raids by the U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office (ICE) have caused immigrant communities to experience increased levels of fear, the presence of ICE in and around schools would be a severe disruption to the learning environment and educational setting for students and families;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, the Board declares in unequivocal commitment that every school district site shall be a safe and welcoming place for all students to be able to receive a quality education;
Be It Further Resolved, the Board reaffirms its focus on promoting and elevating tolerance, inclusiveness, belonging and kindness of all students, families and staff at all district school sites, facilities and material property;
Be It Further Resolved, the Board shall not allow Immigration agents on school district sites, without a judicial warrant and approval from the Superintendent as spelled out in Board Policy and Law;
Be It Further Resolved, the Superintendent shall ensure that social security numbers and information pertaining to the immigration status of students and family members are neither collected nor maintained;
Be It Further Resolved, the Superintendent shall direct schools in restricting the sharing of student files that may be used to ascertain the legal/immigration status of students;
Be It Further Resolved, the Superintendent shall ensure that there continue to be unifying activities occurring within the District to support belonging, inclusion, tolerance and acceptance over hate speech.
Be It Further Resolved, the Superintendent shall ensure that there is support available for staff that desires more training and/or support in dealing with students who feel unsafe on a campus or is facing possible deportation.
Lastly, this resolution shall be posted on the district and school websites and shared at district parent meetings to fully inform our families of their rights and the information that they can access in the school district. Passed and Adopted on February 19, 2025 at the regular meeting of the Board of Education by the following vote: 5-0