With concerns about ICE going to schools, what are Stanislaus districts’ policies?
As the state Legislature continues to advance Senate Bill 48 to shield schools from federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, school districts in the Modesto area are making sure teachers and staff are safeguarding families’ rights.
Districts, including Modesto City Schools, Ceres Unified and Turlock Unified, follow California law, which mandates that unless federal agents present a valid warrant issued by a court, they do not provide information about their students.
Similarly, all school districts do not collect data or ask if their students’ immigration statuses.
Most schools follow these laws under California’s Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act — known as FERPA — and State Assembly Bill 699. FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of students’ education records.
Signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2023, the Assembly bill requires all local education agencies to implement additional protections to ensure all students, regardless of immigration status or country of birth, have the opportunity to pursue their education.
Sharokina Shams, the chief communications officer for Modesto City Schools, said the district is unaware of any instances when a federal agent has approached a student, but the district issued guidance to administration of all its schools.
This guidance advises that schools cannot release information to agents who do not present a valid court-issued warrant, schools cannot release information about students to any outside agencies without permission from parents, and schools must not inquire about a student’s immigration status.
Shams said MCS will continue to communicate with families through ParentSquare about how district schools follow laws on immigration and students’ rights. They also have additional information available to families interested in attending forums where they can hear from legal experts. One was previously hosted Thursday, Feb 6th by the Parent Engagement and Outreach Committee.
“We understand that there is fear and anxiety in our community, so we want to assure families that our district’s primary concern is the well-being and education of our students,” Shams said. “Our commitment to the safety and well-being of our students is unwavering and we will continue to follow the law and create a welcoming environment for all students.”
Families in Ceres Unified schools can visit a dedicated webpage for immigrant families. The page includes a family preparedness plan, caregiver’s authorization affidavit, a guide for students and families on immigration enforcement at California schools, contact information for agencies and service providers that support the needs of immigrant families, and other resources.
In addition, the district has community liaisons who work directly with families to provide resources and support to individual students’ needs. Ceres Unified also operates a resource center that connects families with community agencies and service providers.
“Information on immigration was shared during a recent town hall meeting that reaffirmed the rights of all students to attend a safe, secure and peaceful school free from discrimination, harassment and bullying,” said Beth Jimenez, communications specialist for Ceres Unified.
Like MCS, Turlock Unified notified parents of resources and information through ParentSquare. Principals also are sharing information with their respective certificated and classified staff in the district.
“We recognize there are differences of opinion about recent changes to immigration enforcement, but our focus in TUSD remains on protecting students’ right to learn in safe spaces and parents’ right to participate in their student’s education,” said Marie Russell, director of communications, family engagement and outreach for Turlock Unified.
This story was originally published February 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
