Close to Home: Schools are a safe haven in anxious times

I ran for Sonoma County superintendent of schools because I believe every child — no matter their background — deserves access to a safe, supportive and equitable education. Schools have a moral responsibility to create inclusive environments that protect vulnerable students, foster a sense of belonging and guarantee access to quality education as a pathway to success. This is especially true in times of uncertainty and fear.

For the next four years, our nation will be led by a president who has promised strict immigration policies, including mass deportations. No matter what political lens we have, we can all agree this has created a climate of anxiety. According to researchers, 1 in 5 children in California live in households where at least one member is undocumented. Many students and families are wondering how this shift in Washington will disrupt their lives.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Plyler v. Doe guarantees that no child within our borders can be denied access to a public education. This principle is not merely a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative. Education transforms lives, builds communities and shapes futures. For undocumented students, school is more than a place to learn — it is a sanctuary of hope and opportunity.

California laws go further to ensure that students, including those who are undocumented, are protected from discrimination, harassment and intimidation. Local schools are prohibited from collecting information that would reveal a student’s immigration status. Requirements for enrollment — such as proof of residency — are carefully designed solely to confirm a child’s geographical place in the community, not their or their family’s legal standing.

For parents, California’s public schools offer robust assurances. Participation in a child’s education does not hinge on immigration status, and no parent should fear federal repercussions for volunteering or engaging with their child’s school. Fingerprinting policies for volunteers, when required, are for safety only, and the information is confidential.

California families should never feel afraid to send their children to school out of fear of deportation. Keeping children home due to immigration concerns not only disrupts their education but also impacts the school community as a whole. It is essential for local school boards to proactively reassure families by clarifying how staff will respond to immigration-related requests and outlining policies that protect students’ rights. Schools must remain safe havens where every child has access to education, free from fear and uncertainty.

Immigration authorities must adhere to strict protocols, including providing valid court orders to access student records or campuses. Even in such rare instances, schools are required to notify families, ensuring transparency and trust. Currently, the state Legislature is discussing strengthening protections for schools and requiring that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal authorities have a judicial warrant before they enter California schools and county offices of education.

Schools welcome these increased protections, and the Sonoma County Office of Education will work to ensure our administrators stay abreast of these laws through informational trainings like our Social Justice and Equity Conference on Jan. 16-17. By bringing together some of the most influential voices in education today, the Office of Education will prepare local educators with tools to address the unique challenges faced by immigrant and undocumented students, including trauma, fear of deportation and language barriers.

Education is a fundamental right that knows no borders — it unites us in hope, opportunity and possibility. To all our families, we offer this reassurance: your children belong here in our schools.

Amie R. Carter is Sonoma County superintendent of schools.