This Presidents Day I am outraged by our President’s intentional creation of chaos and fear, targeting the most vulnerable in our schools & communities: immigrants and LGBTQIA+ youth. Please know and share that I and our Mt Diablo School Board and district are doing everything we can and that we remain steadfast in our support and commitment to safe and welcoming schools for ALL students.

Dr. Clark sent out specific communications to our students & families on immigration and LGBTQIA+ rights, but here is a short summary:

Immigration: We learned that while Trump removed schools from their long standing federal protection from ICE immigrant raids, however our local police forces clarified they still do not cooperate with or engage in immigration activity, and our district policies remain firm: if ICE agents approach a school, they should be sent to the district office to present their warrant.
→ We have been sharing immigration resources in the Friday letter, such as free legal help and the DVC Dreamers Conference. We are thankful for the expertise & dedication of groups like Stand Together Contra Costa.

LGBTQIA+: A federal judge rolled back Biden administration rules that had extended Title IX protections to students on the basis of gender identity, however our CA state education code still protects against discrimination on the basis of gender, gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation, and so do our local board policies.
→ We will continue to partner with PFLAG to support students & families, including hosting the PRIDE prom at Concord High.

Meanwhile, efforts have begun to dismantle the Department of Education, creating concern about what happens to Title 1 and Special Education funding of our schools, as well as federal protections of disabled students through 504s & IEPs, the federal student aid FAFSA form, and more. We will remain vigilant.