Skip to main content
District

Message from the Superintendent: Sanctuary District Resolution; Immigration Support and Resources

Posted Date: 1/28/25 (6:30 PM)
View Original Post


Sanctuary District Resolution; 
Immigration Support and Resources

Dear SRCS Community,

In San Rafael City Schools, we believe all our students should feel safe at school so they can learn and grow. We recognize the heightened sense of fear, anxiety and uncertainty among our student and family immigrant community. Often, our collective work extends beyond our classrooms, schools and offices - we can serve as a source of stability, compassion and support for those in our SRCS community.

At their meeting last evening, the SRCS Board of Education unanimously passed Resolution #2425-40, declaring SRCS a Sanctuary District [ English | Spanish ]. This resolution re-affirms our deep commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable environments where all students, staff and families feel valued, safe and supported. It is grounded in our unwavering dedication to ensuring the constitutional right to public education for every child, regardless of their immigration status, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Additionally, other points to note include:

Confidentiality and Safe School Environments: The District will not collect or disclose information regarding the immigration status of students, staff or families unless required by law, nor will it facilitate or cooperate with federal immigration enforcement activities in any way that is not mandated by federal or state law. 

Immigration Support and Resources: There are many local and state resources available to our community. SRCS is collaborating in close partnership with the Marin County Office of Education and local organizations. 

  • For our educators and staff: We have shared trainings, events and resources, such as “Know Your Rights” training for educators as well as a two-page quick reference document for school officials on “What to do if an immigration enforcement officer comes to your school?”
  • For our students and families: We are grateful to our school leaders, community liaisons, Family Center staff and many others who are sharing streamlined resources. “Red Cards” with pertinent legal information are available for families in multiple languages at all of our schools.

    Additional resources include: 
We recognize the diversity of SRCS as one of our greatest strengths. We seek to protect the education of all our students and to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for all, regardless of immigration status. Thank you for your ongoing support. 

Sincerely,

Carmen Diaz Ghysels
Superintendent 
 
   
San Rafael City Schools
www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org
310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903