Mayor Gordo with members of the media (Photo – Colorado Boulevard Newspaper)
In a powerful show of unity, leaders from Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre gathered on Sunday afternoon to reaffirm their commitment to providing safe and supportive educational environments for all students, regardless of immigration status.
By Rena Kurlander
The press conference, held at Pasadena City Hall, addressed increasing concerns over the safety of mixed-status families amid recent federal immigration actions. Local and state officials, joined by representatives from Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), Pasadena City College (PCC), labor unions, and community organizations, gathered to express solidarity with students and families in the region.
Commitment to Safe and Welcoming Schools
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo opened the event by emphasizing the city’s commitment to inclusivity: “There is certainly no place for any child, any parent, or anyone to live in fear in the great city of Pasadena,” he said. His remarks underscored the community’s collective resolve to protect vulnerable families.
PUSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco also spoke passionately about the power of unity. “We believe in the Power of Us. We believe in the Power of Pasadena Unified,” she said. Blanco reiterated the district’s dedication to ensuring that every student, regardless of immigration status, feels safe and welcome. “Safety is more than fences or drills. It’s about creating schools where every child feels emotionally secure and unconditionally welcome,” she emphasized.
The event took on additional significance as PUSD continues to recover from the devastating Eaton Fire earlier this year, which displaced thousands of students and staff. The fire compounded the challenges local families already face due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding immigration issues.
Legal Protections and Educational Access
The press conference also highlighted the legal rights of students. Jennifer Hall Lee, President of the PUSD Board, referenced the district’s resolution reaffirming its commitment to safe and welcoming schools. She pointed to the landmark 1982 Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe, which ensures that no public school can deny a child access to education based on immigration status.
State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez echoed these sentiments, calling the anxiety felt by students “unacceptable.” “Every child, regardless of immigration status, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and flourish in a welcoming environment,” Pérez said. “All our schools must be a safe haven.”
Condemnation of ICE Raids and Advocacy for Immigrant Families
Victoria Knapp, Chair of the Altadena Town Council, strongly condemned recent ICE raids, calling them “cruel” and “inhumane.” She stressed the importance of making schools and neighborhoods safe for all families, regardless of immigration status. “To our families who are hurting… You belong here. You are part of us,” Knapp said.
Knapp also urged elected officials to take swift action on gun control and pass laws to protect immigrant communities. “We must ensure that no child, no family, lives in constant fear,” she said.
A Unified Front for Student Success
The event concluded with a message from Angelica Salas, Executive Director of CHIRLA (California Human Rights Organization). Salas emphasized the importance of community collaboration in ensuring the success of every student. “We have a responsibility to protect our children and ensure they thrive,” she said, urging leaders to take a stand against unjust immigration practices.
(L-R) Top: Mayor Victor Gordo, Superintendent ELizabeth Blanco, Rep. Judy Chu. Middle: PUSD Board Pres. Jennifer Hall Lee, Sate Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, Altadena Town Council Chair Victoria Knapp, Bottom: AM John Harabedian, PCC Pres. José Gómez, PCC Board Pres. Alton Wang (Photos – Colorado Boulevard Newspaper)
Group photo (Photo – PUSD)
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