Immigration Resources for Families
Dear Rialto USD Families,
Due to the unsettling social justice climate in our nation, many families are hearing various messages in the news and on social media related to immigration enforcement, and we acknowledge that this can create fear and uncertainty when sending your children to school. Your children are our students and we care. Rialto USD shares that our schools exist to educate, protect, and support every student. Under federal law, including Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982), and California Education Code sections 220, 234, et seq., every child has the right to a public education regardless of immigration or citizenship status. Consistent with these protections, Rialto USD does not request, collect, or maintain information related to a student’s immigration status.
Our schools exist to nurture learning, growth, and well being. They are safe spaces built on trust, respect, and inclusion. Discrimination in any form is inconsistent with our values and is not permitted. To ensure these principles are upheld, the District follows clear procedures grounded in law and policy:
- Student records and personal information are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and are not shared with immigration authorities without parental consent, a court order, or a valid judicial subpoena or warrant
- Students may not be interviewed or searched at school by officers seeking to enforce civil immigration laws without parent/guardian consent, unless a valid and effective judicial warrant, subpoena, or court order is presented
- District staff are required to immediately notify the Superintendent’s Office if a law enforcement officer seeks access to a student for immigration enforcement purposes, unless disclosure is legally restricted
Rialto USD schools are not sites for immigration enforcement. Our focus remains on teaching, learning, and student success. Recognizing that fear and uncertainty can impact student well-being, mental health supports are available at all schools, including counselors, emotional health therapists, and wellness centers at secondary school sites.
Additional information and resources for immigrant families are available on our District website at www.rialtousd.org. We encourage families to remain engaged with their school communities and ensure that your school emergency contact information is current/updated. Rialto USD is strengthened by the diversity of the families we serve. We remain committed to standing alongside our community and ensuring that every student is treated with dignity, care, and respect.
With sincerity and commitment,
Dr. Alejandro Álvarez
Superintendent, Rialto Unified School District