Los Angeles School Board Declares Sanctuary for Immigrants and LGBTQ+ Amid Trump’s Presidency
The Los Angeles school board is taking steps to protect immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to office. Board President Jackie Goldberg introduced four emergency resolutions during her final meeting. She stated, “We’re not going to be running in fear. We’re going to fight you, every inch of the way.”
One resolution aims to reaffirm the district’s commitment to immigrant students and their families, while updating policies to include gender identity and expression protections. It highlights the increased anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in the U.S. and aims to ensure a safe environment for all students.
Trump’s policies include mass deportation of illegal immigrants, and he plans to involve the military in these efforts. Public schools cannot inquire about a student’s immigration status, protecting mixed-status families. Goldberg emphasized support for LGBTQ+ students and their families, stating, “We can’t necessarily stop the bigots from being who they are, but we’re not going to let you face them alone.”
Another resolution addresses Trump’s push to give parents more rights in schools. He opposes policies that restrict school staff from notifying parents about students’ gender identity changes. California has laws protecting teachers from retaliation when supporting transgender rights.
How do Jackie Goldberg’s resolutions aim to protect immigrant students within the educational system?
Interview with Jackie Goldberg, President of the Los Angeles School Board
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for joining us today, Jackie. Your recent push for emergency resolutions has caught significant media attention. Can you elaborate on the motivations behind these resolutions with regard to immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities?
Jackie Goldberg: Thank you for having me. With the return of President-elect Donald Trump to office, we felt an urgent need to protect our most vulnerable students. The heightened anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments in the country require us to stand firmly with our communities. Our resolutions reaffirm our commitment to immigrant students and their families, ensuring they feel safe in our schools, regardless of the current political climate.
NewsDirectory3: One of your resolutions focuses on updating policies to include gender identity and expression protections. Why is this particularly important in today’s educational landscape?
Jackie Goldberg: It’s crucial because our students deserve to learn in an environment where they can be their authentic selves. We know that when schools acknowledge and support gender identity, students feel valued and perform better academically. We also want to empower our LGBTQ+ students by making it clear that they won’t face discrimination or prejudice alone. As I said, “We can’t necessarily stop the bigots from being who they are, but we’re not going to let you face them alone.”
NewsDirectory3: How do your resolutions respond to Trump’s intention to expand parental rights in schools, especially regarding notification about students’ gender identity changes?
Jackie Goldberg: Our resolutions make it clear that California laws protect educational staff who support transgender rights—a crucial safeguard for our teachers. We believe that decisions about a child’s gender identity should ideally involve a supportive environment, and our district is committed to ensuring that teachers can advocate for their students without fear of retribution.
NewsDirectory3: You mentioned Trump’s “Project 2025.” What specific aspects of this initiative concern you the most, and how do you see your resolutions counteracting it?
Jackie Goldberg: “Project 2025” poses significant risks to educational integrity and inclusivity. It seeks to impose outdated policies that hamper student engagement with contemporary issues, which is entirely contrary to the values of our district. Our resolutions aim to create a proactive educational framework that empowers students to wrestle with these current events, not shy away from them. We are committed to defending our public education system against any attempts to redefine it in a way that undermines our differences.
NewsDirectory3: The board plans to explore a new high school course dedicated to contemporary political issues. Can you shed light on this initiative?
Jackie Goldberg: Absolutely. This course will be designed to cultivate critical thinking and help students understand the political landscape around them, including the implications of policies being discussed at the national level. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho will be reporting back within 60 days on the framework necessary to implement this course. We believe it’s critical for students to be informed and able to engage meaningfully with their society.
NewsDirectory3: In closing, what message do you hope to convey through these resolutions and initiatives?
Jackie Goldberg: My message is simple: We refuse to let fear dictate our futures. We will stand firm in our commitment to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status or sexual orientation. We are ready to fight for equity in education, and we will do so with courage and resilience.
Goldberg’s resolutions aim to counter Trump’s “Project 2025,” which seeks to alter educational policies. The school board’s measures promise to defend public education and ensure students can engage with current events and political issues.
Finally, the board plans to explore a new high school course on contemporary political issues, emphasizing critical thinking and understanding political impacts. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho will report back within 60 days on developing this course and its necessary requirements.