Alejandra Lopez, a political science student at Cal Poly Pomona, was deeply distressed to see Donald Trump potentially winning a second term in office after the swing states that had gone for Joe Biden in 2020 leaned red for Trump. As the daughter of undocumented immigrants, Lopez felt the personal impact of Trump’s anti-immigrant policies. She vividly remembered the fear and tears she experienced when Trump first won in 2016, worrying about the potential deportation of her family.
The fear and uncertainty felt by California students and families, particularly immigrants, transgender students, and Black and Latino students, is palpable following Trump’s election. Education leaders and advocates in California are urging schools to inform students and families about their rights and the policies in place to protect them. With an estimated 1 million children in California having undocumented parents, the need for reassurance and support is crucial.
In response to the previous Trump administration’s immigration enforcement, California passed Assembly Bill 699 in 2017, which prohibits schools from collecting information about families’ immigration status and limits assistance with immigration enforcement on school grounds. The state also has legal protections in place for immigrant students, ensuring they have access to education regardless of their immigration status.
Teachers like Lindsey Bird, who works with English learners, are committed to protecting their students and educating them about their rights. The emotional toll of the election results on students, particularly those with disabilities and students of color, is a significant concern. However, advocates like Megan Stanton-Trehan emphasized the importance of centering student needs and voices in the face of adversity.
State Attorney General Rob Bonta has pledged to protect immigrants, transgender students, and others through possible litigation against Trump’s policies. The potential impact of Trump’s policies on education, particularly in California, raises concerns about funding challenges and legal battles. Higher education officials are preparing to defend their campuses as inclusive and welcoming spaces for students and staff from diverse backgrounds.
In light of the election results, organizations like Equality California are working to ensure the protection of LGBTQ+ youth and uphold state laws that support them. School districts and colleges are reaching out to students to offer mental health support and ensure their safety in the wake of the election. The unity and commitment of education leaders in California to protect students and promote inclusivity remain strong in the face of potential challenges.
As the community braces for potential policy changes under a second Trump administration, the need for advocacy, support, and unity among educators, students, and families is more important than ever. The resilience and determination of California’s education leaders to safeguard the rights and well-being of all students reflect a commitment to inclusivity and social justice in the face of uncertainty.
