Dear community member,
Many of us are still reeling from the deadly violence in Minneapolis, followed by dystopic levels of propaganda that ask us to disbelieve what we’ve seen with our own eyes.
We know that some students and community members are choosing to participate in civic action today as part of what has been a nationwide, bipartisan outcry. We deeply support students’ rights to take action and express themselves. I also continue to believe that school is the safest and most appropriate place for students during the school day, for many reasons. That’s why the COE and several districts asked parents this week to encourage students to come to school today—and why a number of local schools are providing space for discussion, dialogue, and expression.
We know that students cannot learn when they are living in fear. For the past year, we have witnessed a constant attack on immigrant families, our most vulnerable communities, and public education.
In public education, we teach lessons from history. What we are seeing in Minneapolis proves—once again—that when the rights of our most vulnerable communities are under attack, soon all of our rights are under attack.
Yesterday, I joined a roundtable discussion convened by Congressman Panetta, where I shared that message and participated in a candid discussion with regional elected, law enforcement, and nonprofit leaders about how we can all strengthen partnerships to assertively defend the rights of immigrant communities and all of us who call the Central Coast home.
I also emphasized that schools continue to be places of safety. No immigration enforcement action has been attempted on a Santa Cruz County school campus, and we will immediately notify the community if that were ever to change. We will continue to provide training and resources to school staff and families, including through the Spanish-first resource hub susderechos.info.
To those of you raising your voices today, thank you for your advocacy.
This is not about politics. It’s about safety. It’s about fundamental human rights. It’s about equality under the law, common decency, and the sanctity of life.
Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools