Dear ABLE Families,
Many of you have expressed concerns about recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Stockton. We are aware of the effect this can have on families in our community, so I want to re-share our position on the matter. This announcement was previously shared last school year.
The priority of ABLE Charter is to provide a safe learning environment for all our students and staff. Recently, we have received some questions regarding potential changes to the enforcement of immigration laws. We want to reassure our families that every student at ABLE has the legal right to a free, public education, as upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in Plyler v. Doe (1982).
We are committed to ensuring the privacy and safety of all our students.
- Right to Education: Every child has the right to attend a public school, regardless of immigration status.
- Student Privacy: Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we cannot share personally identifiable student information beyond directory information without parental consent or a legal warrant. We do not collect information regarding the immigration status of students or their families.
- Safe Learning Environment: California state law ensures that all students have the right to a safe and secure learning environment, free from discrimination, harassment, or intimidation.
- Safe Campus: Entry beyond our front office is not open to the public, and we require all individuals entering school grounds to check in at the office and have a legitimate cause to enter. Law enforcement authorities need a court order to detain anyone from our campus, unless we have contacted them regarding a crime committed here.
Resources for Families
The Governor's Office has issued a new web resource that centralizes information about protecting immigrant families, especially those with mixed immigration status. This page includes relevant guidance about maintaining safe school environments, protecting student data, and providing access to mental health resources: California Immigration Resources (ca.gov/immigration).
At ABLE Charter, we will continue to stand by our students and ensure that our school remains a place where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Dan Wright