Important Community Message
As stated in the Ontario-Montclair School District’s (OMSD) 5 Year Action Plan, our District
“is committed to providing a world-class education to our students in safe, respectful, and welcoming school environments.”
OMSD continues to support and embrace our families who come from diverse backgrounds and is home to students from 45 countries of origin who speak 28 languages/dialects. We proudly recognize diversity as one of our greatest strengths. The District stands together in doing everything possible to ensure students, families, and staff feel safe and secure when they come to school. As Superintendent, I continually encourage all parents to send their children to school every day.
Additionally, it is well established that the United States Constitution confers rights upon all persons living in the United States, regardless of their citizenship status.* Furthermore, the United States Supreme Court declared almost 40 years ago that all children in the United States have the right to attend public elementary and secondary schools regardless of their actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status, or the immigration status of their parents, including those who are undocumented.**
Daily attendance is critical to every child’s academic success. As we prepare to start the new school year this August, I urge parents, families, and community members to remain committed to prioritizing school attendance.
As previously communicated in past newsletters, I want to remind all OMSD stakeholders that all children have the right to attend public schools free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, citizenship, and immigration status, including those in our community who are undocumented. Any such discrimination at OMSD will not be tolerated.
Our commitment to the well-being of every student in OMSD remains unwavering. We continue to build school communities where all students, families, and staff are honored and engaged. We expect everyone to be treated respectfully, without fear of bullying or intimidation.
There are many resources available to assist families. You can visit several websites including the California Department of Education (www.cde.ca.gov), the U.S. Department of Education (www.ed.gov), Safe Routes to School (www.saferoutesinfo.org), the American Civil Liberties Union (www.aclu.org), and the District website (www.omsd.net).
Locally, I want to commend Congresswoman Norma J. Torres who has established a 24-hour hotline number (909-767-7038) to assist with immigration questions or other concerns. You may also reach her office during business hours at 909-481-6474.
*See Yick Wo v. Hopkins 118 U.S. 356 (1886); see also Wong Wing v. United States 163 U.S. 228 (1896); see also Yamataya v. Fisher 189 U.S. 86 (1903).
**See Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982).
***The resource link provided shall not be considered legal advice conferred by OMSD. For any immigration-related or other legal questions, please consult an attorney. The resource link provided is informational only. OMSD takes no political position regarding the enforcement of federal immigration law.
