For the first time since 2018, the Kern High School District Board of Trustees reviewed proposed revisions to its policy on how schools should respond to immigration enforcement.

On June 9, Board Policy 5145.13, titled Response to Immigration Enforcement, was brought forward for updates to align with recent changes in California Education and Government codes.

“The Board of Trustees is committed to the success of all students and ensuring that policies and procedures follow the California Education Code,” said Mollie Flores, Public Information Officer and Staff Secretary II. The updated draft includes revised language to reflect current laws, including Education Code sections 200, 220, 234.1, 234.7, and Government Code section 8310.3.

The CA Attorney General revised guidance on how K-12 schools should respond which includes the prohibition of requesting and requiring information and documentation, such as proof of citizenship or immigration status, unless legally required.

If the revision is passed, the revisions aim to further protect students against discrimination based on personal, or family, immigration status, “or for the refusal to provide information related to the student’s or family’s immigration status,” written in the revision.

Furthermore per government code 8310.3, resources and data that is collected would be prohibited to be used by others within the district in order to “compile a list, registry, or database of individuals based on national origin, immigration status, religion, or other category of individual characteristics protected against unlawful discrimination.”

Furthermore, The Superintendent, or designee, will be training staff members in immigration issues not limited to responding to information requests or what to do if law enforcement shows up to campus.

The board will vote on the revision at the next KHSD board meeting scheduled to take place on June 23.