In an effort to foster inclusivity and support, the CUSD website now has a section providing resources and guidance for undocumented students and mixed-status families. This addition ensures that all families, regardless of their immigration status, feel welcomed, safe, and empowered. It is important that these families have access to the resources they might need, and many may not know where to search. The district website is committed to assisting them in meeting their needs.
As recent political developments and executive orders have raised concern regarding immigration policies, CUSD remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for every student and family. Given that public schools are prohibited from denying undocumented students a free public education, the immigration status of students does not affect their right to have their educational needs met.
The website includes financial aid, legal resources, and resources for teachers and school staff members. There are also resources about healthcare and other benefits that people may not know they are entitled to regardless of their immigration status. The website also includes information about students’ legal rights under federal and state law, guidance on family emergency preparedness, and contacts for legal, emotional, and educational support services.
Ms. Kennedy, an English and Ethnic Studies teacher at CHS, first suggested that the district website include resources for undocumented and mixed-status families. She was attending a program at Claremont Graduate University about supporting undocumented students when she realized that her own school district was missing this support.
“I think there’s so much uncertainty for some families, and it can be scary not knowing where to turn,” Kennedy said. “Claremont School District does such a good job of supporting families, so if they’re already used to looking on the district site, having it in one easy place might ease their worries and send a strong message that, as a district, we support all of our students and families.”
Ms. Kennedy’s Ethnic Studies class also came together to work on the website and add any resources that were not previously available. The images at the top and the design of the page were created by Ethnic Studies students Avery Kurera and Daniella Acosta.
“I think the idea of having immigrant family resources is important because the journey to the U.S. and settling down isn’t easy for families to go through,” Acosta said. “It’s important to have a website where they can reach for support and resources, just to make the process slightly easier.”
Other school districts have already begun to introduce support for undocumented students and mixed-status families. Offering support is not about political beliefs but about students and their families. CUSD is the leader in this journey of committing to equity as a district, and soon more schools will follow because every student has the right to a safe and welcoming environment in which to learn and grow.
