New guidelines in California aim to protect the rights of undocumented students and their families while at school. California Department of Education Spokesman Robert Oakes detailed what the guidelines are meant to protect.
Schools are required to enroll all eligible children regardless of their citizenship or immigration status. State and federal laws also prohibit schools from disclosing student information to law enforcement without the consent of a parent or guardian, a court order, a lawful subpoena or in the case of a health emergency.
The Department of Education said this is a big step forward in supporting their efforts to make sure student and their parents, regardless of citizenship status, feel safe and welcome at every public school.
Robert Oakes added these guidelines compliment what the Safe Haven movement is already doing, which declare schools as a "safe haven" for students.