TO: Principals and School Site Administrators
FROM: Farshad M. Talebi, Executive Director, Investigations, Compliance &
Accountability; Ebonee Weathers, Executive Director, Equity & Belonging
San Diego Unified School District is dedicated to fostering safe, stable, nurturing, and
welcoming environments for all students and staff.
In anticipation of heightened concerns, fears, and uncertainty resulting from changes in federal executive and congressional leadership, we are taking several steps to reaffirm our values as a welcoming District for all staff, students, and their families. District staff and students are entitled to their First Amendment right to free speech; however, harassment, discrimination, and biased-based harm have no place in San Diego Unified school communities.
We recognize the existing and potential future increased threats posed to LGBTQIA+ (especially transgender), immigrant, and all students, families and staff, which directly impact physical safety, mental health, and school engagement.
To ensure our District is taking appropriate action in response to threats to the safety and
well-being of our students and staff, we want to remind everyone of their rights and
responsibilities and provide guidance on the proper procedures to appropriately address
these issues when they arise. In addition to the policies and procedures highlighted below, the District has created a new webpage with information and resources specific to immigration rights, LGBTQIA+ support health and wellness, and general safety and security. This includes contact information for internal District departments and community-based organizations.
Protecting Safety & Well-being
First and foremost, if an incident occurs, you should focus on implementing safety plans and supportive measures to ensure the immediate well-being and safety of your students and staff. If there is an imminent threat or safety concern, contact School Police at (619) 291-7678 and please call 911 in emergency situations. For non-emergent issues related to support for employees, please contact your Human Resources Officer.
Response to Immigration Enforcement
The District has a detailed policy that outlines the steps you should take if contacted by
immigration law enforcement authorities (AR 5145.13). The policy provides specific guidance if (1) you receive a verbal or written request for information related to a student’s or family’s immigration or citizenship status; (2) an immigration officer requests access to students or is present on school grounds for immigration enforcement purposes; (3) are presented a warrant or subpoena from an immigration enforcement agency; or (4) if a student’s family member is detained or deported. We strongly encourage you to review this policy with your staff and students, and have it readily available. If you have any questions, you can contact ICA ([email protected]).
Sex Discrimination & Sex-Based Harassment
Our LGBTQIA+ community (including all staff and students) has a right to be free from
discrimination and harassment based on their actual or perceived sex or gender identity. All
forms of sex discrimination and sex-based harassment are strictly prohibited under District
policy and the federal Title IX regulations. As an employee, you are required to report sex-based harassment and sex discrimination to the Title IX Office when you receive a report, observe, or have knowledge of these incidents (AR 5145.7). The site administrator or supervisor must report these concerns on the Title IX website or call the office at (619) 725-7225. Individuals who have experienced sex-discrimination or sex-based harassment can file a formal complaint on the Title IX website. If you have other questions or concerns related to the support of LGBTQIA+ students, staff, or family, please contact Equity & Belonging at (619) 309-8565.
Bullying, Harassment & Intimidation
If you have knowledge of or receive a report of bullying, harassment, or intimidation (including those on the basis of an individual’s actual or perceived protected class), you must take prompt steps to intervene and investigate these incidents (AR 5131.2). After investigating the report, the site administrator or supervisor must submit a “Bullying Investigation Report Summary” to ICA via the online bullying portal. Individuals who have experienced bullying can file an online bullying report. For all other concerns or inquiries, students, parents, staff, and community members can report via the ICA website and they will be addressed by the appropriate site or District administrator in accordance with District policies and procedures. These reports can also be submitted anonymously.
Finally, to uphold our values and protect our SDUSD community, the District has created a
multi-disciplinary Equity, Civil Rights, and Safety Task Force that will work alongside our
community-based partners to support students, staff, and families experiencing fear and
uncertainty.
More information will be provided at the upcoming Principals’ Institute on January 16, 2025.
