Immigration-related proposals in Orange County school district spark controversy

PLACENTIA, Calif. () — A proposed resolution in an Orange County school district is sparking outrage and concern in the community.

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District considered a resolution affirming the district’s support for federal immigration officers, among other law enforcement.

The resolution was proposed by Trustee Leandra Blades who said community concern was the result of misinformation. She said her goal was to show support for all law enforcement and to keep politics out of the classroom.

“Everyone has come up here and only referenced ICE, but this policy and the resolution talks about local, state and federal law enforcement,” Blades said.

Her comments about her resolution came after hearing from more than 50 speakers during the public comment portion of Tuesday night’s school board meeting. The majority of speakers were opposed to the resolution.

“Our students at our schools aren’t dangerous aliens. We are good people,” one student said.

“Children are not criminals,” said another speaker.

Bethany Anderson of Solidarity and Camino Immigration Services runs an immigration legal clinic in Placentia. She also spoke out during Tuesday’s meeting.

“The community is not going to tolerate pro-ICE propaganda in our community,” Anderson said.

Anderson said the resolution also took aim at red Know Your Rights cards shared with students and families.

“The issue was really with the resolution and the sentiment and the symbolism of having a resolution that is so blatantly anti-immigrant,” Anderson said.

The board ultimately opted to modify the resolution and broaden it to all law enforcement, removing specific language about federal immigration officers.

That was not the only immigration-related item on the agenda.

Another stems from state law and it clarifies that district staff shall not grant permission to immigration officials on school property without a subpoena or warrant, however, it states that staff cannot obstruct, interfere with or impede an official doing so. The district emphasized there have not been any instances of federal immigration enforcement on district property.

The first reading of that proposal passed 5-0, but board members stated they would look to clarify the language to ensure clarity. They will take up the proposal again during their next meeting on March 10.

“The staff has a duty to protect the kids over anything else so what one person might think is impeding might actually be advocating,” Anderson said.

In a statement, a district spokesperson said in part, “The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) is committed to maintaining safe and inclusive schools for all students, regardless of immigration status. District policies align with federal and state law and prohibit immigration enforcement officers from entering non-public campus areas or accessing student records without a valid judicial warrant, subpoena, or court order.

“Recent updates to California law and guidance from the California Department of Education and the Attorney General’s Office have clarified and expanded district responsibilities to protect students and families from immigration enforcement actions that could disrupt access to public education. Amendments to Education Code section 234.7 and Assembly Bill 49 strengthen existing protections, require alignment with the Attorney General’s model policies, staff training, and family notification of rights.

“In developing Board Policy 1445, Response to Immigration Enforcement, the District utilized California School Boards Association (CSBA) GAMUT templates to ensure legal compliance while tailoring language to local needs.”