Safe Haven School District

Albany Unified School District serves a diverse and vibrant community of students and families, many of whom have deep ties to immigrant experiences. With nearly half of all children in California having at least one immigrant parent, our district recognizes the importance of creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments for all students, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.

In Albany, we are committed to ensuring that every student has access to a free and equitable education. Like all schools in California, AUSD is legally obligated to provide this right under the U.S. Constitution and California law. The Supreme Court’s decision in Plyler v. Doe guarantees that no child can be denied access to public education based on immigration status, and California law reinforces this by prohibiting discrimination in any educational program or activity.

We understand that the challenges posed by immigration enforcement may create uncertainty for some families. While we cannot control federal actions, Albany Unified is steadfast in its commitment to being a safe haven for all students. Our schools will continue to prioritize creating secure, supportive, and peaceful campuses where every student can thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.

On February 14, 2017, the Albany Board of Education unanimously adopted Resolution 2016-17-13, formally declaring AUSD as a Safe Haven School District. This resolution affirms our schools as sensitive locations under a 2011 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy and guarantees the right of undocumented children to a free public education. It underscores our unwavering commitment to providing a secure educational environment and serving as a safe haven for students and families threatened by immigration enforcement or discrimination, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

The resolution mandates that any agents of ICE or other immigration enforcement agencies must be directed to the Superintendent before being allowed on any AUSD campus. I want to assure our community that I will work closely with legal counsel to thoroughly review any subpoena or court order before permitting such officials access to our schools. Furthermore, the resolution prohibits the district from collecting any data regarding the immigration status of students or their families. Staff are also prohibited from inquiring about or disclosing a student’s immigration status. Additionally, we will not share personally identifiable information from student educational records with immigration officials without written parental consent, a judicial order, or a lawfully issued subpoena.