As our communities continue to be bombarded with anti-immigrant actions, this week’s Supreme Court decision is no exception.
As a human, I continue to be shaken by the continuous decision to diminish the dignity and basic human rights of people. As the leader of KIPP SoCal, I am furious about the lack of awareness or impact these actions have on our school communities.
At KIPP SoCal, we want you to know: our campuses will continue to be places of safety, belonging, and security. Our mission, to provide a joyfully excellent education, depends on it. And we will continue to do everything within our power to make sure that mission is never interrupted by fear or intimidation.
We can and do ensure that your child’s school is a Safe Zone. This has been our commitment since our Board of Directors affirmed it in 2016, and it means:
We operate closed campuses; all exterior doors are locked during the school day. Visitors must check in through a secure entrance, and students are not allowed to leave without an authorized adult.
We protect the identities and information of students, families, and staff, follow strict legal protocols for any immigration enforcement activity, do not ask about immigration status, and we never release student information unless required by law.
We have trained our staff to respond quickly, legally, and firmly to resist any unlawful attempts to enter our schools.
If immigration agents come near any of our schools, our teams will contact legal counsel immediately, and agents will not be allowed on campus without a judicial warrant.
We will continue working closely with school leaders, safety teams, and community partners to ensure our schools remain safe, welcoming, and protected spaces.
We also know that families may need support beyond the classroom. We will continue connecting you with resources, partners, and trusted organizations that can provide you with additional support in uncertain times. Our school leaders and community school managers are here for you; please reach out anytime for support or if you need to be connected with additional assistance.
And while our primary purpose is education, we cannot ignore the broader reality. Just as we hold ourselves to high expectations, we will continue to educate your children so they can be the global citizens who will hold our elected officials to those same high expectations.
Even in moments like this, our values guide us: equity, justice, and an unwavering belief in the brilliance and potential of our students. We will stay vigilant in protecting the rights of our families, and we will not be silent when those rights are under attack.
Angella Martinez
Chief Executive Officer, KIPP SoCal