SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Superintendent Dr. Todd Cutler has shared a letter with the community on the current situation of federal immigration policies. LTUSD is expecting students to stay home in the coming weeks and attendance figures will be discussed at the next board meeting on February 13.
The letter from Dr. Cutler:
I know many of our families have shared concerns regarding recent changes with the federal immigration policies. LTUSD is committed to the safety and success of all of our students. Our schools must be a safe place for our students to learn and grow. Our efforts will be to protect the rights of all students and keep them safe while under our care. All of our families are welcome at our schools!
In light of these recent policy changes and many families feeling anxious about the safety of their children, it’s important to know that California maintains its strong protections for immigrants, with policies that safeguard the rights of undocumented individuals, particularly in schools. The California Constitution guarantees all students, regardless of immigration status, the right to a free public education. Schools in California are generally not allowed to ask about a student’s immigration status, and they cannot share that information with federal authorities without a court order or legal obligation. This means that, regardless of a child’s immigration background, they are entitled to attend school safely without fear of being reported, interviewed or taken, without a valid warrant.
Our staff has been discussing this concern and the potential impact and stress that may be added to our families. We understand the threat of immigration enforcement could have a significant impact on our students’ ability to thrive. If you still have concerns about your child’s safety at school, we encourage you to reach out to one of our staff members.
Sincerely,
Todd Cutler, Superintendent