Los Angeles School Board Prepares for Trump’s Presidency
Emergency Resolutions to Protect Immigrant and LGBTQ+ Communities
The Los Angeles school board is taking swift action to reaffirm its commitment to protecting immigrant and LGBTQ+ students, families, and staff in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidency.
Reaffirming Commitment to Immigrant Students, Families, and Staff
One emergency resolution aims to "Reaffirm Our Commitment to Immigrant Students, Families, and Staff," updating the district’s policy to enforce the respectful treatment of all persons, including gender identity and gender expression. The resolution describes the 2024 presidential race as resulting in the election of a candidate who campaigned on an anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ agenda.
Protection of LGBTQ+ Students
The resolution extends protections to LGBTQ+ students, including their family members, employees, and their families. "Lesbian and gay kids and trans kids and non-binary kids are really going to hear a lot of crap in the society as a whole," said Board President Jackie Goldberg. "And we just want them to know we have their backs. We have their parents’ backs. We have their teachers’ backs. We have the cafeteria workers’ backs — everybody who works for us and works with us and all the kids and their families."
Sanctuary for Immigrants
Another emergency resolution deals with sanctuary for immigrants, reaffirming the district’s existing policy and taking aim at Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric. The resolution refers to "a documented increase in anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States" and states that these narratives "divide communities, elevate risk factors, and compromise mental health and school engagement."
Education Course on Current Political Events
The fourth emergency resolution proposes a new high school course on current political events, with the goal of preparing students to become "critical thinkers" who can understand and engage with complex political issues.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles school board’s swift action to protect immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. As Trump’s presidency begins, it is more important than ever for schools to reaffirm their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the emergency resolution mean for immigrant students and families?
A: The resolution reaffirms the district’s commitment to protecting immigrant students and families, including those who are in the country illegally. The district will not cooperate with immigration authorities or share information about students’ and families’ immigration status.
Q: How will the new course on current political events impact students?
A: The course aims to prepare students to become critical thinkers who can engage with complex political issues. Students will learn to analyze news sources, evaluate evidence, and form informed opinions on current events.
Q: Will the district continue to offer support to LGBTQ+ students?
A: Yes, the district will continue to offer support to LGBTQ+ students, including their family members, employees, and their families. The district will ensure that all students feel welcome and included in school.
Q: What does the emergency resolution mean for employees and staff?
A: The resolution ensures that employees and staff who work with immigrant and LGBTQ+ students and families will receive training on how to respond to immigration authorities and provide support to these students.
