California Attorney General Rob Bonta has pledged to protect state educators and their immigrant and LGBTQ+ students from the threats posed by the Trump administration. Speaking at a news conference in San Francisco, Bonta emphasized that California’s laws mandating inclusive school environments remain in effect, despite recent federal directives that have raised concerns among vulnerable communities.
In his remarks, Bonta highlighted the administration’s recent actions, which include opening schools as potential sites for immigration enforcement and issuing threats against educators who support transgender and gender nonconforming students. He stated, “California’s schools are and will remain a welcoming, inclusive and safe place for all, regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status.” He affirmed that the federal government does not dictate educational content or curricula in California.
Bonta’s statements come in response to President Trump’s recent executive orders aimed at reshaping educational policies across the nation. These orders have sparked fears among undocumented families, leading some to withdraw their children from schools. California is home to nearly 11 million immigrants, making the stakes particularly high for these communities.
In January, the Trump administration rescinded a policy that had protected sensitive locations, such as schools and hospitals, from federal immigration enforcement actions. This change has led to increased anxiety among undocumented families, with reports indicating that many are hesitant to send their children to school. Bonta noted that attendance in schools has noticeably declined, reflecting the fear permeating immigrant communities.
Bonta also criticized Trump’s executive orders that assert the government’s recognition of only two genders and impose restrictions on how educators can address gender nonconforming students. He described these efforts as part of a broader strategy to create confusion and fear among communities, stating, “The first 15 days of President Trump’s second term have left many feeling scared, anxious, and uncertain about their rights and protections.”
In response to the federal government’s actions, Bonta’s office is prepared to challenge any attempts to cut federal education funding as a means of coercing compliance with new policies. He stressed that while the federal government sets a minimum standard for education, California aims to exceed those standards, ensuring higher protections for its students.
As part of their efforts, Bonta and local school officials are working to provide guidance on how schools should respond to immigration enforcement actions. This includes instructing school officials to document any encounters with immigration officers and to notify parents promptly of any enforcement actions occurring on school grounds.
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has echoed Bonta’s commitment to maintaining safe educational environments. Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho emphasized that the district will continue to uphold its values and provide support to students and families during these challenging times. He urged families to keep sending their children to school, reinforcing that education should not be disrupted by fear.
As tensions rise over immigration policies and educational rights, Bonta’s office remains vigilant, ready to defend the rights of students and educators against any federal overreach.