Safe Haven for SFUSD
In light of recent threats concerning a potential federal deployment of the National Guard and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to San Francisco, many families are feeling fearful and uncertain. While the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) activated its emergency response plans mainly by sending out emails about emergency contact cards, many families felt that these actions were not enough to address the seriousness of the situation. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Unified School District took a stronger and more public stance by holding a press conference affirming its commitment to keeping all students and families safe. Without a clear and committed action from SFUSD to protect its students, many families have stepped in to make their own decisions to safeguard their children’s safety and wellbeing.
As a result of SFUSD's perceived lack of adequate action, several families decided to keep their children home from school during this period of uncertainty, reflecting their concerns about safety and the need for more decisive measures. YOHANA urges SFUSD to reaffirm its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive educational environment for every student, regardless of immigration status, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, ability, or any other aspect of identity. The recent passage of Assembly Bill 49 and Senate Bill 98 further emphasizes the need for our schools to serve as safe havens for all families, free from the fear of immigration enforcement actions.
ESTABLISH ALL SFUSD SITES AS SAFE HAVEN: YOHANA urges SFUSD to ensure all schools are safe havens where no student or family fears questions about immigration status, and where all related records are kept strictly confidential.
PROTECT PRIVACY OF STUDENTS & THEIR FAMILIES: Prohibits SFUSD and its personnel from disclosing, in any form, information about students, their families or households, including education records, and applies equally to school employees and teachers.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PLANNING: YOHANA urges SFUSD to work with community and immigrant rights organizations to develop a comprehensive safety plan in anticipation of potential federal actions, including ICE and National Guard deployment.Transparent Communication.
TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION: Establish a reliable communication channel among SFUSD, SFPD, and community partners to keep families informed and reduce fear during emergencies.
YOHANA invite all students, parents, educators, and community members to join our efforts. Please sign the petition to support the Safe Haven initiative. Your voice matters; together we can create meaningful change in our community.
