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ENSURING EQUAL ACCESS TO EDUCATION FOR ALL DOCUMENT

Dear NVUSD Community,

The Napa Valley Unified School District Board of Education recently passed a resolution (English and Spanish versions attached) to promote inclusiveness and respect and to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to equal access to education for all students, regardless of their immigration status. This resolution aligns with our core value of equity and access for our students, staff, and families and our promise to cultivate a culture of belonging throughout NVUSD. The resolution also emphasizes our commitment to complying with all relevant laws, including AB 699, which protects the rights of immigrant students and families.

NVUSD believes that all students deserve a high-quality education and a safe and supportive learning environment where they feel valued and respected. 

We understand that families in our community may have concerns or questions about immigration policies. Here are some key points from the resolution regarding the rights of those in our community:  

  • California legislature passed Assembly Bill 699 in 2017 to provide critical protections for immigrant students including: prohibiting the collection of information regarding immigration status; requiring the adoption of model policies to prevent immigration enforcement on school grounds; and prohibiting discrimination based on immigration status. 

  • California law affords all persons equal rights and opportunities at educational institutions, regardless of their nationality, immigration status, race or ethnicity, religion, ancestry, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, marital status, pregnancy status, or veteran status (Ed Code 200).

  • California law prohibits law enforcement agencies from performing the functions of an immigration officer, including prohibiting them from inquiring about individuals’ immigration status, and the California Attorney General has made clear that these prohibitions apply to school resource officers. 

  • The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Administrative Regulation 5145.13 prohibit disclosure of personally identifiable student information to immigration enforcement authorities without the consent of a parent or guardian, a court order, or a judicial subpoena. 

  • California law and Board Policy 5145.13 prohibit schools from collecting or maintaining documents that may be related to immigration status including, but not limited to, passports, visas, and social security numbers, as they are not needed by school districts and place student privacy at an unnecessary risk (Ed Code 234.7).

  • Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5145.13, in alignment with the model policy developed by the California Attorney General, prohibits school administrators from granting immigration enforcement officials immediate access to a school campus, or providing assistance with immigration enforcement, absent exigent circumstances or presentation of a federal judicial warrant. 

  • California law and Board Policies 5131.2, 5145.9, and 5137, guarantee all students the right to attend school free of bullying, fear, intimidation, and discrimination.

All NVUSD schools and programs are considered safe havens for students and their families to the fullest extent allowed by law and following Board Policies and Administrative Regulations. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child's school or the district office. 

NVUSD is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where all students feel safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Rosanna Mucetti

Superintendent, Napa Valley Unified School District