FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2025
Contact:
Genesis Coronado,
[email protected]
(213) 222-3937
LAUSD Board Calls for Comprehensive Study on Community-Based Safety Programs
LOS ANGELES (December 16, 2025) – The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education approved the resolution,“Strengthening and Expanding Community-Based Safety Programs in Time of Heightened Immigration Enforcement” authored by Board Member Karla Griego and co-sponsored by Board Members Rocio Rivas, Tanya Ortiz Franklin, Kelly Gomez and Nick Melvoin.
The resolution makes a recommitment to the model of community-based safety, including safe passage, community development and peacebuilding; enhances immigration enforcement preparedness practices; evaluates and aligns community-based safety programs; and plans for expansion of programs districtwide.
“I am proud to move this resolution forward to assess what is working and what must be strengthened within community-based safety programs, including safe passage, peacebuilding, and community building. Students, families, and communities have made clear that physical and socioemotional wellbeing is an urgent priority, especially amid the fear caused by ongoing immigration raids,” said Board Member Karla Griego. “Ensuring our students are safe in and beyond our schools is a shared responsibility, and when students feel protected and supported, they can truly thrive.”
“During times of heightened immigration enforcement, our responsibility is to ensure that students and families feel safe, supported, and connected to trusted community resources,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Los Angeles Unified has long invested in community-based safety programs, and we will continue strengthening these efforts so our schools remain places of stability, care, and belonging for every family we serve.”
“As leaders, it is our commitment to do everything in our power to keep our students, staff and families safe. I’m grateful to my colleagues, Board Member Griego and Dr. Rivas, for expanding on my 2023 Community-Based Safety Analysis and Expansion Resolution, which affirmed our holistic vision of school safety and expanded our community-based safety partnerships and programs. And I am deeply grateful to our community who consistently reminds us that we keep us safe and those closest to the problems are those with the best solutions,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin.
“In moments when immigration enforcement terrorizes families, we choose trust over punishment,” said Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. “Standing with our students, protecting their rights, and building real safety through safe passage, peacebuilding, and community partnerships rooted in dignity and belonging”.
“It is necessary for the safety of all at our schools that we analyze safety strategies from every angle,” said Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. “Given our current climate where various members of our community don’t feel safe, we must use all the tools at our disposal to ensure their safety, bringing training, mental health professionals, adequate staffing levels, and including the community in these decisions.”
"By strengthening safe passage, peacebuilding, restorative practices, and clear guidance around immigration-related incidents, we are affirming that our schools must be places of safety, dignity, and trust. This community-based approach centers students and families, supports educators, and builds the partnerships needed to ensure every child can get to and from school feeling protected and supported,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin.
“Our immigrant communities are experiencing ongoing fear and trauma as a result of the federal government’s continued attacks. We are committed to supporting our immigrant families as a sanctuary district, and this resolution is another critical step in protecting our students and families on their way to and from school,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez
“I am in support of this resolution to support the emotional and well-being of our students in our communities. Our communities and schools continue to be a main target which has negatively impacted attendance and the mental well-being of our youth. Community-based safety programs will create a pathway for children to feel safe, included, and provide a state of calmness” said Maywood Mayor Mayra Aguiluz.
“Safety is a shared responsibility that should be prioritized by both schools and communities. I support the "Strengthening and Expanding Community-Based Safety Programs in Time of Heightened Immigration Enforcement” resolution because I believe in centering student wellness, effective partnerships, and collective goal-setting between communities and the schools that reside within their boundaries. I have led these efforts in LAUSD schools and have seen the positive impact that Community-Based Safety Programs can have,” said Cudahy Vice Mayor Dr. Cynthia Gonzalez and parent of a Los Angeles Unified student.
“At a moment when immigration enforcement is creating real fear and instability for students and families, it is our responsibility to invest in safety strategies that protect without criminalizing. Community-based safety programs focus on trust, prevention, and care, recognizing that true safety stems from strong relationships and community presence, rather than enforcement. I strongly support this effort to expand proven, people-centered approaches that keep students safe, supported, and able to learn,” said Huntington Park Council Member Jonathan Sarabria.
“This resolution marks a profound commitment to making our schools the safe, supportive, and informed hubs our Southeast Cities communities deserve. By increasing critical training on Know Your Rights and peacebuilding, and bringing on a Community-Based Safety Expert to coordinate with Huntington Park and other local officials, we are not just strengthening security, we are building a unified, anti-criminalizing, and resource-rich support system for every student and family in their journey to and from school” said Huntington Park Vice Mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez.
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