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Know Your Educational Rights

The Escondido Union High School District is committed to ensuring that all students have access to a safe, inclusive, and equitable education, regardless of immigration status.

 

In accordance with California Education Code §234.7, school districts are required to provide families with information regarding their rights to a free public education and access to the California Attorney General’s “Know Your Educational Rights” guidance. This information is available in multiple languages and is posted in the district administrative building and on this website.

 

The "Know Your Educational Rights" guide developed by the California Attorney General can be found at https://oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources

 

The "Know Your Immigration Rights" alert is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

 

Rights to Free Public Education

All children in California have the right to attend public school free of charge, regardless of their or their parents’ immigration status.

Schools:

  • Do not require students or families to provide immigration status for enrollment.
  • Must accept a variety of documents to verify a student’s age and residency.
  • Protect the confidentiality of student records and personal information under federal and state law.

Schools generally cannot release student information without parent/guardian consent, unless required for educational purposes or in response to a court order or subpoena.

 

Know Your Immigration Rights

California law provides important protections for immigrant families:

  • Housing Rights: You have the right to apply for housing without sharing your immigration status unless applying for federally funded housing programs.
  • Emergency Medical Care: All individuals have the right to access emergency medical care.
  • Right to an Attorney: Individuals arrested by law enforcement have the right to a government-appointed attorney. Individuals detained in immigration proceedings may seek legal representation.
  • Limits on Local Law Enforcement:
    • State and local law enforcement cannot ask about immigration status for enforcement purposes.
    • They cannot share personal information with immigration authorities except in limited circumstances.
    • They cannot assist with immigration enforcement except under specific legal conditions.

Additional protections exist under California’s SB 54 law, which limits the use of state and local resources for federal immigration enforcement.

 

Protect Yourself From Immigration Scams

If you need immigration assistance:

  • Seek help from trusted legal aid organizations.
  • Do not hire immigration consultants or notaries who promise legal services.
  • Never give personal information or money to individuals who contact you claiming there is a problem with your immigration case.

 

Family Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Families are encouraged to:

  • Ensure that schools have current emergency contact information.
  • Consider completing a Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit, which allows another trusted adult to make educational and medical decisions for a child if necessary. These forms can be found by talking with a school counselor or school social worker.