Pasadena Unified School District (Photo – ColoradoBlvd.net)
In response to growing concerns about the impact of federal immigration enforcement on students, families, and employees, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) held a special Board of Education study session on Monday, June 30.
By News Desk
The session brought together board members, PUSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, city leadership, and community partners to reaffirm the district’s unwavering commitment to providing safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for all students, employees, and families, regardless of immigration status.
Since the start of the year, PUSD has taken proactive steps to address these concerns and ensure that its schools remain safe havens for every student. Key actions include:
- Safe and Welcoming Schools Resolution:
PUSD passed a formal resolution declaring all schools as safe spaces for students, regardless of immigration status. - Employee Training:
District employees received comprehensive training, supported by legal experts from F3 Law, to equip them with the knowledge to respond appropriately and compassionately to federal enforcement actions. - Internal Guidance and Emergency Response:
The district created new guidance tools, one-page briefs, and a confidential emergency response line to ensure that staff can take quick, informed action when needed. - Campus Security and Signage:
In collaboration with legal counsel, clear signage was posted to indicate the non-public status of campuses and secure entry protocols, enhancing the safety of students and staff.
In addition to these initiatives, PUSD has prioritized flexibility and compassion in its operations to better support students and families facing immigration-related challenges:
- Secured Campus Access:
The district enhanced supervision and security at all school entry points to prevent unauthorized access. - Modified Food Services:
Adjustments were made to food service programs to ensure that both on- and off-campus families have access to meals in a variety of settings. - Transportation Support:
The district has implemented safeguards for students using public transportation, including staff volunteers accompanying students to and from bus stops. - Emergency Contact Updates:
PUSD continues to maintain regular communication with families, offering personalized conversations about potential remote or alternative learning options if needed. - Community Outreach:
Trustworthy staff volunteers are delivering groceries to families who are too fearful to leave their homes. - Summer School Support:
The district is extending its commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment year-round, with continued staff training and ongoing support for students during the summer.
“We didn’t wait”
“We didn’t wait,” said Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, PUSD Superintendent. “When federal enforcement activity increased, we acted swiftly, with heart, clarity, and purpose. We are proud to have trained our employees, equipped our campuses, and strengthened our policies so every student and family knows they are safe, welcomed, and seen in PUSD. We also want to thank everyone who joined us today, our Board members, city partners, community organizations, and advocates, for standing with our PUSD family and reaffirming that our schools are places of safety, dignity, and belonging.”
Monday’s special meeting also provided an opportunity for ongoing collaboration, allowing for community input on additional ways the district can support its immigrant families.
“This is not a one-time response, it’s a continuous commitment,” emphasized PUSD Board President Jennifer Hall Lee. “By listening to our community and working alongside city partners, legal experts, and local organizations, we’re ensuring our students and families know that PUSD stands with them.”
Safe and Welcoming Schools Team
The district’s Safe and Welcoming Schools Team, established earlier this year, continues to meet monthly to assess the needs of students, review district practices, and implement improvements. PUSD remains actively engaged with legal counsel, advocacy groups, and trusted community organizations to provide multilingual resources, policy guidance, and direct support for immigrant families.
Families are encouraged to stay connected with their school principal or family liaison for ongoing updates and support. Additionally, the district has launched a dedicated webpage with immigration resources and assistance for families and employees at pusd.us/immigrationresources.
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