Contact: Grace Medrano (213) 503-0883 | [email protected]
LOS ANGELES – In a bold affirmation of democratic values and immigrant rights, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education unanimously passed Resolution 044-25/26, Leveraging District Purchasing Power to Defend Immigrant Families and Human Dignity. The resolution reaffirms all LAUSD schools as sanctuary spaces, condemns the federal militarization of immigrant communities, and demands the district to leverage its economic power to assess whether a vendor’s practices conflict with LAUSD’s values and educational mission, prioritizing transparency, mitigation, and reasonable alternatives for commonly used goods.
“LA Unified serves students and families from every corner of the world. As a district, we have a responsibility to ensure that our resources and partnerships reflect our commitment to human dignity and the protection of immigrant families. By leveraging our purchasing power, we are affirming that our schools stand on the side of respect, opportunity, and justice for all,” said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas.
The resolution limits District spending on vendors, products, and venues connected to ICE and civil immigration enforcement by increasing transparency and accountability around practices linked to civil rights abuses.
“Los Angeles Unified serves one of the most diverse communities in the world, and many of our students come from immigrant families who contribute enormously to the life of our city,” Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “The District is committed to protecting the dignity and well-being of all of our students and families. As we review the provisions of this resolution, we will carefully evaluate how best to align our procurement practices with these values while ensuring we remain compliant with state and federal contracting requirements and maintain the continuity of essential services for our schools.”
“Our main priority is keeping our students, staff, and communities safe,” said Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. “Student safety must be expanded to prohibit the sharing of data with the federal government, which may cause harm to our students. It’s time for LAUSD to step forward as the second-largest school district in the country. We will continue to implement more strategic policies regarding vendor selection. We cannot have these vendors be the primary cause of harm to students and families when they were chosen to serve these communities.”
“This Board is committed to standing up against the inhumane actions of immigration enforcement under the current Administration. We will continue working to ensure that our investments reflect that commitment as we support the safety and wellbeing of our immigrant students and families,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin.
“In the face of federal actions against our students, families, and communities, our District must stand to ensure our financial decisions align with our values and commitments to protect and support our students and families. Through this resolution we will uphold transparency and accountability making sure no public dollar further harms our communities.,” said Board Member Karla Griego.
“As our families continue to be impacted by the federal immigration enforcement terrorizing our communities, it is our responsibility to make decisions that align with our values. We will continue to protect our students and families by working with partners and vendors who demonstrate care for our students,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin.
Key provisions include directing the Superintendent to establish a review framework to assess whether vendors’ activities or external partnerships support are directly engaged in, or provide material services, enabling or are connected to practices such as detention, surveillance, enforcement, or profiling practices conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal agencies or contractors specifically engaged in civil immigration enforcement.
This resolution builds upon LAUSD’s long standing designation as a sanctuary school district and is consistent with its 2022–26 Strategic Plan’s commitment to equity, student safety, and the well-being of all learners.