Members of the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education issued statements today on the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to block a question about citizenship from the 2020 Census.
“Everyone deserves to be counted for the 2020 Census, including our immigrant families,” Board President Mónica García said. “There was never a justification for a citizenship question and, today, we celebrate that the judicial branch of our government practiced their due diligence to best serve our country and its people. Now, our families can rest assured and participate in the census, which will bring more resources and funds to our schools and communities.”
“Today I breathe a deep sigh of relief that – for now – the citizenship question has been blocked from the 2020 Census,” Board Vice President Nick Melvoin said. “This question is an affront to our students and families, designed to stoke fear and prompt humans to run into the shadows. At Los Angeles Unified, we know that every human counts and every human should be counted, and that’s why we registered our vocal opposition to the census question in the case decided today. The Supreme Court’s decision demanding a plausible rationale for this change to the census sends a message to the current administration that the rule of law does still exist, which we are grateful for. But we cannot rest on this decision. We need to continue to fight against fear, in the courts and on the streets, to make sure that our government sees all people and that Los Angeles Unified has the resources it needs to serve the future of our community.”
“We applaud the decision of the Supreme Court to promote inclusivity and uphold the practice of counting every person living in the United States for the upcoming Census,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said.
"Fair representation is the bedrock of American democracy,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “Today's Supreme Court decision will help ensure equal opportunity for all the children and families that we are committed to serve. Bravo! "
“Adding a citizenship question to the Census would have suppressed the voice of our students and families,” Board Member Jackie Goldberg said. “We applaud the Supreme Court for blocking the Trump administration’s mean-spirited effort.”
“Every person in America counts and should be counted in the U.S. Census,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “The Supreme Court affirmed these values by ruling against the citizenship question today. While the Trump administration sought to sow fear in our immigrant communities, we stood up against such division and intolerance.”