As the nation continues to grapple with rapidly evolving immigration policies, educational leaders from across Los Angeles County convened for a critical training session focused on protecting student rights and navigating legal landscapes.

The timely training, hosted by the Los Angeles County Office of Education, brought together legal experts, civil rights advocates and school administrators to address the pressing challenges facing educational institutions in an era of significant policy shifts. Notable speakers included Tony Thurmond, California Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools, Hector Villagra, Vice President of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and Kevin Kish, Director of the California Civil Rights Department. Their remarks and presentations emphasized the critical importance of supporting immigrant students in today's complex educational environment.

"In these times of ongoing immigration policy changes, it's imperative that our schools are prepared to support and protect all students," said Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools. "We're committed to empowering school leaders with the tools and knowledge to protect student rights, regardless of their immigration status."

“Schools have adapted over time to changing student needs, and they must adapt again. In today’s political climate, providing a safe and secure environment conducive to learning requires something new -- that school leaders understand their rights and responsibilities when faced with potential immigration enforcement actions. Children can’t learn if they don’t feel safe, and it’s up to school leaders to ensure they do,” said Hector Villagra, Vice President of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

The training comes at a crucial time for Los Angeles County, which is home to 3.5 million immigrants—representing approximately 34% of the county's total population. In the educational sector, Los Angeles County schools serve a significant number of students who are either immigrants themselves or children of immigrants, making the legal and policy insights shared during this training critically important for supporting one of the region's most vulnerable student populations.

Speakers provided in-depth insights into key legal frameworks, including landmark cases like Plyler v. Doe, and current legislation such as AB699 and SB54. The session also addressed critical areas including superintendent responsibilities, FERPA regulations and recent changes in DACA policies.

The training offered practical guidance on sensitive topics, including how school staff should respond to potential immigration enforcement interactions, strategies for addressing student and family fears and methods for supporting mental health and preventing absenteeism.

During the day-long session, participants explored a comprehensive range of critical topics, including legal rights and protections for immigrant students, First Amendment considerations for staff and student speech, strategies for implementing protective board resolutions and practical approaches to addressing immigration-related concerns.

In response to the ongoing challenges facing immigrant students, the Los Angeles County Office of Education has established a dedicated task force committed to supporting immigrant students, families and communities. This initiative underscores LACOE’s commitment to ensuring all students have access to a safe and supportive educational environment.

The task force has already reached more than 80 local educational agencies and organizations through comprehensive training sessions. The initiative includes targeted "Know Your Educational Rights" presentations that have equipped superintendents, board members, school leaders, teachers, parents and Student Advisory Council members with critical knowledge to protect student rights and create safe learning environments.