Dear Camino Nuevo Familia,
On January 20th, the new presidential administration signed a series of executive actions related to immigration protocol and birthright citizenship. Today, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement doubling down on those actions. Together, these actions have raised significant concerns about the impact they may have on families, including many in our own community. At Camino Nuevo Charter Academy, we do not condone the actions that undermine the well-being, safety, and dignity of immigrants.
The safety and security of all of our students and their families is always our top priority. Camino Nuevo does not collect, request, or share information about citizenship or immigration status. Our policies align with the California Department of Education Safe Haven initiative to ensure no student will be denied their right to a free public education based on immigration status, and no student will be subjected to discrimination or harassment for any reason, including their citizenship status.
We want to ensure that you have the knowledge and tools regarding legal resources to protect yourself if you are ever in situations involving law enforcement or Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- “Know Your Rights” is a simple but powerful principle that ensures you are aware of the protections and freedoms granted under the law. The resource provides general information on what to do if you are stopped, arrested, or detained by immigration or other law enforcement.
- The 14th Amendment's Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses protect undocumented immigrants by ensuring they are entitled to equal treatment under the law and safeguarding their right to fair legal processes and protection from arbitrary detention. We must uphold the law with both strength and compassion, and not turn our backs on those who need help.
- In Plyler v. Doe (1982), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that public schools cannot deny students access to K-12 education based on their immigration status. The court held that such denial violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. This decision ensures that all children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to attend public schools.
Public education is a basic human right, and we will continue to fight to ensure that our schools remain safe places for all. If you or your family members need any support or have questions, we are here to help. We encourage you to reach out to the Student and Family Coordinator at your campus who can connect you with legal resources, counseling, and other forms of assistance.
We understand that many of you may be feeling anxious or fearful about what these changes mean for you and your loved ones. Camino Nuevo stands with you. We are committed to supporting all of our students and families, regardless of immigration status. Our goal has always been, and will continue to be, to provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for every student and family member that steps onto our campus. We are also preparing our staff with resources and training so that they are also equipped to support you in these situations.
This most recent statement from the current administration is in direct conflict with our mission and is designed to prioritize enforcement over people, while creating fear and instability for innocent individuals, including students. These policies are designed to divide us – we can not let them. We must stand together as a community and continue to support each other in the face of discrimination. As the daughter of immigrants, a school leader, and a fellow parent, I am proud to stand alongside you in this fight.
In solidarity,
Adriana Abich